US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
New legislation could expand First Nations status
Senators removed the second-generation cutoff from Bill S-2 to address gender inequities and expand First Nations status eligibility beyond the roughly 6,000 initially targeted.
- Senators in Ottawa broadened Bill S-2 to remove the second-generation cutoff and adopt a one-parent rule, originally drafted to make about 6,000 people eligible for First Nations status.
- The Indian Act's formula for status, using 6 and 6, has long produced the cutoff; federal consultations since 2018 and a 2019 report showed First Nations wanted it resolved but lacked consensus.
- The Senate committee heard nearly 50 witnesses who urged eliminating the cutoff, representing more than half of First Nations, while Anishinabek Nation praised senators for `courage` and Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty warned against amending the bill without full consultations.
- If the House of Commons approves the amendments, an untold number would gain First Nations status, affecting access to social services and tax benefits, while Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said further amendments may follow.
- The changes position communities to confront long-term membership and rights questions, as critics say the formula punishes partner choices and the United Nations has raised concerns about First Nations women and their descendants' access to rights.
Insights by Ground AI
33 Articles
33 Articles
New legislation could expand First Nations status — here’s what you need to know
Senators have passed sweeping amendments to a bill that would simplify the transfer of First Nations status between generations, but it’s not clear yet if those changes will pass the House of Commons.
·Canada
Read Full Article
New legislation could expand First Nations status — here's what you need to know
OTTAWA — Senators have passed sweeping amendments to a bill that would simplify the transfer of First Nations status between generations, but it's not clear yet if those changes will pass the House of Commons.
·Halton Hills, Canada
Read Full Article
New legislation could expand First Nations status — here’s what you need to know
OTTAWA - Senators have passed sweeping amendments to a bill that would simplify the transfer of First Nations status between generations, but it's not clear yet if those changes will pass the House of Commons.
·Niagara Falls, Canada
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources33
Leaning Left21Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution88% Left
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources lean Left
88% Left
L 88%
12%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
