Kat Lanteigne, whose 10-year-old son Nathanael was born in Zambia and adopted into her family, says the new citizenship rules harm children adopted from other countries. CTV
Canadian parents who adopted children from other countries say new citizenship rules create barriers that harm their kids. They argue the changes make life harder for families who already went through long, complex adoption processes. Many feel the rules treat their children differently from those born in Canada.
One of the parents raising concerns is Kat Lanteigne. Her 10-year-old son, Nathanael, was born in Zambia and adopted as a baby. She says the new rules create stress and uncertainty for families like hers.
A Rule Change with Real Impact
Parents say the updated rules affect children who join Canadian families through international adoption. Under the new system, kids adopted abroad may not automatically receive citizenship. Instead, some families must go through extra steps, paperwork, and long waiting times.
Parents worry these delays could limit their children’s rights, including access to services, travel documents, and long-term planning. Many fear their children could grow up feeling less secure in a country they consider home.
Lanteigne says the change feels like a setback. She believes the rules ignore the reality of international adoption and the strong bonds built through it. The new requirement creates emotional and financial strain on families already working hard to support their children.
Families Speak Out
Several parents say they feel singled out because they chose adoption instead of giving birth. They say their children deserve the same recognition as any other Canadian child. Some parents also say the change sends the wrong message by suggesting their children belong under a different category.
Families point out that adoption already involves strict checks, including assessments, interviews, and legal steps in two countries. They argue the new rules add unnecessary hurdles.
Lanteigne says she wants the government to hear the voices of adoptive families. She stresses that her son is fully Canadian in every way and should not face an extra layer of bureaucracy.
A Call for Fair Treatment
Parents across the country now push for the rules to change. They want equal citizenship rights for children adopted internationally. Many urge the government to consider the effect on kids who grow up Canadian but face uncertainties because of paperwork.
Families say they understand the need for careful regulation but believe the current approach goes too far. They hope officials will update the rules to better reflect modern families and the realities of adoption.
What Parents Want Next
Parents say they will continue speaking up until the government rethinks the rules. They want a system that treats all children fairly, whether born in Canada or adopted from abroad. Lanteigne says she hopes decision-makers will recognize the emotional cost of the current policy.
Parents are asking for clarity, fairness, and respect for family unity. They say their children already belong in Canada and that the rules should reflect that truth.
