An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements)
Bill C-38 (44-1) was a government bill from Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu to add new entitlements to registration under the Indian Act, responding to the Charter challenge in Nicholas v. Canada. It would have addressed discrimination tied to enfranchisement so affected descendants could gain or pass on status, let people voluntarily remove themselves from the Indian Register, restored First Nations women's right to their natal band membership, and replaced offensive wording such as 'mentally incompetent Indian.' The government estimated it would make about 3,500 more people eligible to register. The bill stalled at second reading and did not become law before the 44th Parliament ended.
Status
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Would add new ways to register under the Indian Act, fixing remaining sex-based and enfranchisement discrimination so affected descendants can gain or pass on status, and would drop offensive wording. A government bill from Minister Patty Hajdu; it stalled and did not become law.
Issues this bill touches
- Indigenous Rights
Restores Indian status to specific categories of women and descendants previously excluded by the Indian Act.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
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Patty HajduLIBERALOfficial source
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