All opposition parties in the House of Commons have expressed support for proposed amendments to the Indian Act aimed at eliminating the “second-generation cut-off,” a rule that can prevent individuals from passing First Nations status to their children after two generations of mixed-status parentage.
The proposed changes are tied to Bill S-2, which seeks to address long-standing inequities in the Indian registration system and restore status eligibility to individuals whose families lost status due to past discriminatory provisions in federal law.
Opposition parties have indicated support for Senate amendments that would remove the second-generation cut-off and allow status to be passed on through a “one-parent rule,” potentially extending eligibility to more Indigenous people and their descendants.
While the federal government has acknowledged the need to address registration inequities, Liberal ministers say additional consultations with First Nations are required before implementing such significant changes to the law.
Advocates and several parliamentarians argue that addressing the issue promptly is important to resolve long-standing discrimination and ensure fairness in determining First Nations status under the Indian Act.