Ottawa, Ontario (January 31, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians announced today that the Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act (Bill C-3) comes into force on January 31, 2011, and that applications for registration will be accepted and processed as of that date.
By passing this legislation to amend the Indian Act, the government has eliminated specific barriers of discrimination for particular individuals,
said the Minister.Bill C-3 ensures that eligible grandchildren of women who lost status as a result of marrying non-Indian men are entitled to registration.
Individuals who want to register will have to submit an application on or after January 31, 2011 and must meet all three criteria:
- Their grandmother lost her Indian status as a result of marrying a non-Indian;
- One of their parents was registered, or were entitled to be registered, under sub-section 6(2) of the Indian Act;
- They or their siblings were born on or after September 4, 1951.
Individuals may seek legal advice on their own situation.
Once registered, applicants will have access to federal benefits and services for registered Indians.
Information on the registration process as well as general information on the Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act can be found on INAC's website.
This legislation amends provisions of the Indian Act that the Court of Appeal for British Columbia found to be unconstitutional in the case of McIvor v. Canada.
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
