LLRIB pressuring feds to adopt one-parent rule

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“The one-parent rule is a practical and immediate step Canada can take now while broader reform continues.” 

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In a statement to larongeNOW, the Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services wrote while they remain committed to forwarding legislative reform options that address the second-generation cut-off in a manner that reflects the perspectives and priorities of First Nations, more consultation is needed to happen before any changes can be passed. 

“First Nations communities and organizations have already proposed diverse solutions related to the second-generation cut-off and Section 10 voting thresholds,” the statement reads. 

“That includes options beyond the single-parent rule amendment introduced by the Senate. Canada has an obligation to carefully and appropriately consider and consult on all proposed solutions, in accordance with First Nations’ right to self-determination.” 

Cook-Searson warns, however, that broader consultation on registration reform must not delay ending what the LLRIB calls ongoing discrimination against First Nations families. 

Currently, thousands of LLRIB members are affected by the second-generation cut-off, depending if they have children with a non-status person.  

“This rule has divided families and denied children their identity,” Cook Searson said.  

“It tells some of our children they belong, and others that they do not. That is deeply harmful, and it interferes with our inherent responsibility to determine who belongs to our nation.” 

Earlier this year, the LLRIB held engagement sessions with Elders, members and leadership across its communities. Members of the LLRIB strongly supported a one-parent rule.

Cook-Searson added the current registration system has masked the true size of First Nations populations, contributing to long-standing underfunding in housing, education, health care and other services.  

larongeNOW reached out to Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger on the matter. A representative sent a reponse identical to the statement released by the Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services, so there was no clarification on whether he is personally in favour of the one-parent rule or not.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com