Claiming the second-generation cutoff disproportionally affects Indigenous women and girls dishonours MMIWG+

The actual clause in the Indian Act is gender neutral. If loss of Indian status does lead to greater vulnerability to violence, this would affect all genders, not just women and girls.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty has already indicated she agrees that second-generation cutoff of status ought to be eliminated, that she won’t do so until First Nation bands are consulted on how to proceed, and that she will table legislation by year-end, write Lillian E. Dyck, Sandra Lovelace Nicholas, and Claudette Dumont-Smith.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY LILLIAN E. DYCK, SANDRA LOVELACE NICHOLAS, CLAUDETTE DUMONT-SMITH

October 14, 2026

Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements), has been amended by the Senate to eliminate the second-generation cutoff provision of Indian status, and replace it with a one-parent rule. It is now in the House of Commons, being studied by the Indig...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

FOLLOW THE HILL TIMES: