Senate passes bill to remove Indian Act’s 2nd-generation cut-off

The Senate unanimously voted 63-0 to advance Bill S-2, which includes an amendment to eliminate the second-generation cut-off from the Indian Act, affecting approximately 300,000 people. This provision, added in 1985, restricts Indian status eligibility for children with one non-status parent after two generations. Senators emphasized the bill’s significance for First Nations, particularly women and children, before sending it to the House of Commons for further approval. The amendment aims to address historical discrimination and restore a one-parent rule for status eligibility.

Want More Context? 🔎