Hon. Marty Klyne: Minister, welcome. Many First Nations welcome Bill S-2 as a chance to end the second-generation cut‑off on conveying Indian Act status. This could happen through the Senate amendment proposing a one-parent rule. You have said the government will consult further.

However, Whitecap Dakota Nation in Saskatchewan has proposed an interim opt-in model. This would allow First Nations to exercise their own authority to grant irrevocable 6(2) status to individuals, provided they have one 6(2) parent and sufficient connection to the community. The details are defined in a draft amendment sent to the Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee.

This opt-in model would address urgent, ongoing harms while addressing self-determination. Can you please confirm the government is aware of and will consider this option to end the second-generation cut-off?

Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indigenous Services: As I noted earlier, one of the first things I did when I became minister was expedite the collaborative consultation process, because I believe if we’re going to address the conversation around status, one of the primary factors in that conversation is self-determination. When communities bring forward solutions they feel best apply to them, I will always be open to those recommendations.

Something I am challenged by in this space is that some of the recommendations brought forward through the amendments are one-solution approaches. While a one-parent rule may work for some communities, it clearly does not work for all of them.

I am open, listening and trying to ensure communities are able to determine for themselves not only their membership lists but what it means to have status for their nation. There are instances when we have seen communities suddenly wake up one day and have 700 more members because of registration — or 700 fewer members because of inefficiencies in registration.

This is why I believe the conversation around status has to speak to — we should not be in the business of registering people. It is not only discriminatory but racist. Something I wish to move forward on is empowering communities to be the ones who make determinations in that space.

Senator Klyne: Yes, I agree that you shouldn’t be involved with that. There are a number of First Nations out there practising their self-determination and making decisions, and they know how to manage their numbers.

Minister, in 2023, I sponsored Bill C-45, a government bill regarding First Nations fiscal management. That bill proposed an opt-in fiscal framework, forcing nothing on individual First Nations. This meant that further consultation was not required, which was a strong point of the bill.

Minister, if an opt-in model worked for that bill, why not pursue an opt-in model with Bill S-2, providing an immediate path beyond the second-generation cut-off?

Ms. Gull-Masty: Thank you. The bill is being studied in committee by MPs. I’m listening and looking at different things being brought forward. I thought there was a lot of interesting testimony and statements in that space.

What does that mean? When communities bring forward solutions that apply to them, I am very open to them. I’m willing to work with them to bring forward a solution that fits them. It is not one-size-fits-all. It will be one that aligns with ensuring they are fully empowered with the self-determination to recognize their citizens.

The Indian Act is not something that should be tinkered with. It has already been amended over 150 times. We have not found the solution in that process; therefore, I truly believe we should do away with —

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Thank you, minister.