Question Period Note: Status Cards

• Status cards confirm registration under the Indian Act and facilitate access to associated programs, rights, services and benefits.

• The Department issues the Secure Certificates of Indian Status directly to applicants while supporting First Nations to produce and distribute the paper-laminate version.

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced in-person services, some clients may find the application and renewal process more difficult.

• At this time, service providers should accept status cards, even if the renewal date has passed.

• The Department has sent information to Indigenous leaders and service providers across the country and has posted information on social media.

If Pressed on the Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) in relation to registration under the Indian Act
• It is important to note the differences between registration under the Indian Act and the status card, which is an identification card that provides proof of registration. A status card is only issued once registered.

• Individuals may submit applications for registration and a secure status card at the same time. If submitted together, the processing time will depend on the complexity of the application for registration.

If pressed on the Certificate of Indian Status (CIS)
• The Certificate of Indian Status is issued at First Nation offices by designated community representatives.

• The issuance of Certificates of Indian Status may be impacted as service delivery in communities have been affected differently by COVID-19.

• We recommend that community members maintain contact with their First Nation office to be kept informed on when operations may return to normal.

Educating the public about status cards
• We are working to ensure all individuals can access more information about status cards.

• We have been working closely with counterparts such as the Canada Revenue Agency, Elections Canada and the Canadian Border Services Agency, as well as provinces and territories and Indigenous partners to raise awareness and enhance an understanding of status cards and associated benefits, rights, programs and services.

• Reconciliation remains a crucial priority for our Government and we are working in partnership to advance a relationship that is based on the recognition of inherent rights, respect and cooperation.

If pressed service standards and improvements made to the process
We are committed to processing applications for the Secure Certificate of Indian Status in an efficient and timely manner.

• The application process has been streamlined and we are investing in digital solutions to increase efficiency and improve client service.

• While the Department’s service standard is sixteen weeks for issuing a Secure Certificate of Status, the current processing time is six weeks for applications submitted by mail.

• Online Secure Certificate of Indian Status applications are being tested at headquarters and progressively in regional offices throughout 2021 and 2022.

N/A

None