A significant divide in Canadian attitudes toward holding citizenship in more than one country has been revealed in a new national poll. While more than a third of Canadians express a personal desire for dual citizenship, a nearly identical proportion believes those who hold it are less loyal to Canada.
The Generational Divide on Dual Citizenship
The poll, conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies in December 2025 and provided to Postmedia, shows that 37 per cent of respondents across Canada said they would like to be a dual citizen. Meanwhile, 47 per cent said they are not interested, and 16 per cent did not answer.
However, these national figures mask a stark generational split. The oldest Canadians, those aged 65 and older, were the most resistant to the idea. Among this cohort, only 22 per cent said yes to wanting a second citizenship, while a hefty 65 per cent said no.
This sentiment flips among younger adults. In the 35 to 44 age group, a majority of 51 per cent said they would like dual citizenship, with just 34 per cent opposed. The youngest adults, aged 18 to 24, were also receptive, with 43 per cent in favour and 37 per cent against.
Contradictory Views on Loyalty and Value
The survey uncovered seemingly contradictory views. Alongside the personal interest in acquiring a second passport, about the same proportion of respondents—roughly one-third—believe a person with dual citizenship is less loyal to Canada. This concern over divided loyalty generally increased with the age of the respondent.
Jack Jedwab, president of the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies, interpreted the data. "The poll reveals that many Canadians express interest in obtaining dual citizenship, particularly younger Canadians," he said. "They see dual citizenship as being about increased mobility, opportunity, and the ability to live, work, or study across borders in an interconnected world."
Policy Context and Global Debate
Canada, like many countries including the United States, permits its citizens to hold multiple citizenships without forfeiting their Canadian status. This is not a global standard; major countries like China and India do not allow their citizens to retain citizenship if they naturalize elsewhere.
The topic of dual citizenship sparked debate in the United States in late 2025 when Republican Senator Bernie Moreno introduced a bill to eliminate it, declaring "if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing." In Canada, discussion often surfaces when dual nationals abroad seek costly assistance from the Canadian government during international crises.
The poll, published on January 16, 2026, highlights the complex and evolving relationship Canadians have with national identity in a globalized era, where practical benefits for individuals can sometimes clash with traditional notions of singular allegiance.
