New Law Opens Door to Celebrity Canadian Citizenship

Canada now opens its doors to many people with old family ties. The federal government passed Bill C-3 on November 20. The law removes the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. Many people who once had no path to citizenship now qualify. The list includes several well-known Americans with deep Canadian roots.

Madonna Gains New National Link

Madonna will soon hold Canadian citizenship. She was born in Michigan and holds only US citizenship today. Her mother had French-Canadian ancestry that reaches back to Quebec in the 17th century. The new law brings her into the Canadian family through those long roots.

Viggo Mortensen Reclaims His Family Story

Actor Viggo Mortensen also secures a clear path to citizenship. He was born in New York to an American mother and a Danish father. His link comes through his grandfather, Walter Sydney Atkinson, who was born in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Mortensen already holds US and Danish citizenship, and Canada now joins that list.

Lily Collins Adds Another Passport

Lily Collins, born in England and raised in Los Angeles, will also gain Canadian status. She holds both UK and US citizenship today. Her Canadian link comes from her maternal grandfather, Jack Tavelman, who was born in Winnipeg. He later moved to the US and built a life there. His birthplace now secures her right to citizenship.

Hillary Clinton Finds Her Quebec Roots

Hillary Clinton will also be recognized as a Canadian citizen once the law takes effect. She was born in the US, as were her parents, but her family tree tells a different story. Her maternal line traces back to Quebec during the era of New France. Clinton wrote about these roots in her 2003 memoir. Her family line includes Jeanne Ducorps, a Filles du Roi arrival. These links make her a distant relative of several well-known Canadians, including Celine Dion and Justin Trudeau.

Jack White Joins the List

Musician Jack White, born in Detroit, will also gain Canadian citizenship. He has long-standing ties to Nova Scotia through his father’s side. His paternal grandfather, Frank Gillis, was born in the province. His paternal grandmother was born in Boston to Canadian parents from Inverness, Nova Scotia. These roots ensure his place among new citizens under Bill C-3.

What Bill C-3 Changes

The first-generation limit came into force in 2009. It blocked citizenship for many people born abroad to Canadian parents who also gained citizenship by descent. Bill C-3 ends that barrier. It restores the right to citizenship for those affected. It also allows future generations to pass on citizenship, as long as they meet a “substantial connection to Canada” test. The government has not yet announced when the law will take full effect.

Interim Rules Offer Early Access

Canada introduced interim measures in March 2025. These steps support people affected by the old rule while the new law moves to implementation. Anyone who qualifies under the new law can now apply online for proof of Canadian citizenship. They will not need to apply again once the law takes effect.