Question Period Note: Registration - Eligibility for Indian Status

• Eligibility for Indian Status is based on the degree of descent from ancestors who were registered or were entitled to be registered under the Indian Act.

• Registration provisions of the Indian Act have been amended a number of times, making them more fair and equitable. Notably, the S-3 legislation aimed to removed sex-based inequities in the Indian Act.

• For privacy reasons, I am unable to comment on individual situations. I encourage applicants to contact the Department for a detailed follow up on their file.

In response to S-3 fully coming into force and to assist in application assessment and processing capacity, the Department introduced policy solutions, technical efficiencies and on-boarded additional staff at the dedicated S-3 processing unit in Winnipeg. A satellite office in Quebec City is being set up to support the processing of S-3 applications. The Department continues to seek additional investments to improve processing capacity and client experience such as the development of online tools.

The service standard remains 6 months to two (2) years for registration depending on the complexity of the file. Some files require applicants to submit additional information.

If pressed on the length of time to process applications

• We are committed to processing applications in an efficient and timely manner.

• We have received an extra $21 million to account for an increase in applications as a result of S-3 provisions coming into force.

• We are hiring more staff and working on digital solutions and system enhancements to increase processing capacity and improve client service.