Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements)
Proposed legislation to address some of the remaining inequities in Indian Act registration and band membership provisions.
On this page
Overview
On May 29, 2025, Bill S-2 was introduced in the Senate to continue efforts to address remaining inequities in the Indian Act.
Bill S-2 continues the legacy of former Bill C-38, which was first introduced in December 2022 but did not pass before Parliament was dissolved in March 2025.
Proposed Legislative changes under Bill S-2
If the proposed amendments of Bill S-2 are passed, the legislation would:
- ensure persons with a family history of enfranchisement will be treated the same as those without
- support persons who wish to have their names removed from the Indian Register to apply for deregistration
- support women who were automatically transferred to their husbands' band to seek reaffiliation with their natal band
- women and their direct descendants may apply
- the removal of outdated and offensive language related to dependent persons
Changes in entitlement to registration
At this time, the legislative amendments proposed in Bill S-2 cannot be applied to registration applications or protests.
Applications currently on hold will remain on hold until Bill S-2 is passed.
To find out how to apply for registration, visit Register under the Indian Act.
Contact us
To find out more about Bill S-2, please email engagementinscriptionpn-fnregistrationengagement@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Related links
- The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty applauds the introduction of a new bill to address remaining inequities and band membership provisions of the Indian Act
- Addressing enfranchisement of unmarried women in registration
- (Former) Bill C-38: An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements) information kit (PDF, 124 KB, 9 pages)
- Canada introduces Bill C-38 to further address inequities in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act
- Indian Act