All opposition parties support changes to Indian Act status, Liberals say not yet

MP for Edmonton Northwest Billy Morin rises in the House of Commons on Friday, Feb.13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA — All four opposition parties in the House of Commons are backing legislation to change the status rules in the Indian Act to end what is known as the second-generation cutoff.

But the Liberals say while they support changes to registration eligibility, more consultations with First Nations are needed before the law is amended.

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs says they have consulted with the federal government on the issue for decades and that the Liberals are using consultations as a delaying tactic.

Bill S-2, introduced in the Senate with support from the Liberals, initially sought to restore First Nations status to some 3,500 individuals.

But after hearing weeks of testimony from First Nations leaders, senators broadened the bill to allow status to be passed on to children if one of their parents is registered.

MP Billy Morin, the Conservative critic for Indigenous Services, says the legislation gives Parliament a unique opportunity to broaden eligibility requirements without First Nations leaders going to court, and that the Liberals should support the changes proposed by the Senate.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press