Canada Debates Indian Act Status Changes

All four opposition parties in the Canada===House of Commons of Canada are backing legislation, Bill S-2, to amend the Indian Act to end the 'second-generation cutoff' rule. This rule currently prevents individuals from inheriting First Nations status if their parents and grandparents lack status, leading to concerns about the eradication of distinct First Nations peoples. The Canada===Senate of Canada broadened the bill to allow status to be passed on if at least one parent is registered, a move supported by First Nations groups like the Assembly of First Nations and the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. The Canada===Liberal Party of Canada, while supporting changes, insists on further consultations, which opposition parties and First Nations leaders view as a delaying tactic. The changes could add tens of thousands of people to the Indian Act registry over the next few decades, raising questions about funding for new members from Canada===Indigenous Services Canada.