Canada just changed what counts as proof of citizenship by descent — here’s the breakdown - CIC News

Since December 15, 2025, a Canadian ancestor, any number of generations back, can make you a Canadian citizen by descent if you were born before that date. To confirm it, you apply for proof of Canadian citizenship and show a documented and direct unbroken lineage from your Canadian ancestor to you.

Your great-great-grandmother was born in Canada East in 1850. Canada didn’t become a country until 1867, so she arrived seventeen years too early, and you assume her citizenship claim dies with her. According to Canadian citizenship law, it doesn’t.