Ottawa Directs Some With Citizenship by Descent to Surrender Citizenship Certificates

The Canadian flag hangs from a building outside the Bank of Canada in Ottawa, on June 10, 2026. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Some people who received proof of Canadian citizenship under the “Lost Canadians” legislation are now being told to surrender their certificates of citizenship.

Immigration lawyer Amandeep Hayer says one of his clients received a message from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on Saturday saying they need to turn over their citizenship certificate.