As the Senate debates Bill S-2, discussions persist on whether the legislation will sufficiently address lingering discrimination in registration under the Indian Act. The primary goal of the bill is to eliminate remaining sex-based biases in the registration process, particularly those related to enfranchisement, which involves involuntary loss of status to obtain full citizenship.
Furthermore, the bill outlines a procedure to reunite women who were compelled to join their husband’s band post-marriage with their original communities or “natal band.” It also offers a mechanism for individuals to voluntarily remove themselves from the registry and eliminates outdated and offensive language in the Indian Act.
Senators are deliberating whether to move forward with the bill in its current form or introduce additional amendments, such as discontinuing the “second-generation cut-off,” which terminates status after two generations of a non-status parent. During a session of the Senate committee on Indigenous peoples, Madeleine Redfern, interim CEO of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), expressed support for Bill S-2. However, she highlighted concerns that the legislation overlooks registration issues like the second-generation cut-off and the communities’ authority to manage their own membership.
Redfern, an Inuk from Iqaluit, cited the Nunavut Agreement as a model of self-determination in determining identity and community affiliation. She emphasized the importance of granting nations the right to establish their identities through personalized enrollment programs, drawing parallels to her land claim agreement.
Senator Mary Jane McCallum estimated that if the bill is passed as is, nearly 6,000 people could regain their status. However, by eliminating the second-generation cut-off through an amendment, as many as 225,000 individuals may become eligible for status. Pam Palmater, chair in Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University, urged immediate action from the government. She emphasized the necessity of removing the second-generation cut-off, asserting that Canada cannot delay the amendment process any longer.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak also addressed the standing committee, expressing support for the bill’s objectives while noting that it represents only a small stride toward eradicating registration discrimination. Nepinak emphasized the need for direct consultations with rights holders to ensure comprehensive amendments to the Indian Act’s registration provisions.
The ongoing discussions surrounding Bill S-2 are set to continue with another committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening.