News Release
October 22, 2026

Carney Government Regresses on Women's Rights: Bill S-2 Delayed at Committee Stage

Anishinaabe Algonquin Territory / Ottawa, O.N. – October 22, 2026 

The Liberal members of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) voted today, stalling advancement to a clause-by-clause review of Bill S-2 An Act to Amend the Indian Act, and further delaying long-overdue action to address sex- and race-based discrimination in the Indian Act. The Indian Act Sex Discrimination Working Group travelled from across the country to Ottawa this week and is calling on Prime Minister Carney and his caucus to advance Bill S-2, as amended by the Senate, to finally end the second-generation cut-off —  a longstanding human rights violation. 

During the Committee meeting, Conservative and Bloc MPs spoke and voted in favour of advancing Bill S-2. Some Liberal MPs were then observed laughing and making light of the Bill’s importance. 

“This exchange and vote today reflects a troubling dismissal of the urgent and longstanding fight to end sex- and race- based discrimination that continues to impact First Nations people and their descendants. I do not find that funny. First Nations women have spent decades fighting this discrimination, and they deserve to be met with action, not delays. Prime Minister Carney, your government has the power to end this injustice and ensure my children can access their rights. There is no reason to continue waiting to move to a clause-by-clause review of Bill S-2. It is high time to get this out of Committee and into the House.” Zoe Craig-Sparrow, Co-Director of Justice for Girls and a member of the Musqueam Indian Band.

“The second-generation cut-off is not a trivial matter, it is a form of sex- and race-based discrimination that violates the equality guarantees in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Today, the Liberal government showed exactly where it stands on Charter equality, human rights, and First Nation-specific rights and their position is now a matter of public record. Carney’s government is carrying on the shameful legacy of his predecessors to eliminate the ‘Indian problem’ by targeting our women and extinguishing us through our children.” Sharon McIvor Lower Nicola Band member and member of the Indian Act Sex Discrimination Working Group.

K̓áwáziɫ Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer stated, “With today’s vote, the Liberals not only ignored the voices of First Nations but also demonstrated a blatant and callous disregard for our basic human rights and the urgency of this Bill for our right to existence. Minister Gull-Masty has characterized a band council resolution as a strong form of endorsement, yet she has refused to accept the overwhelming support and resolutions of First Nations across the country in support of passing Bill S-2 as amended. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs calls on Prime Minister Carney and the Liberal Caucus to do the right thing, stop forced assimilation, and pass Bill S-2 as amended by the Senate.”

After 511 days of delays on S-2, there is still no commitment to return the Bill to the INAN agenda. The Liberal Government had a historic opportunity to take a step towards ending over 150 years of sex- and race-based discrimination in the registration provisions of the Indian Act today, but refused to do so. 

“These continued delays are unacceptable. It is long past time Canada stood up for First Nations and showed respect for our right to exist as First Nation families, communities, and Nations. We stood together as a united Canada against the threat of Alberta’s separation, and now it is time for Canada to stand with us. The government has already hurt my children by excluding them from recognition for most of their lives. Please don’t do that to my baby grandchildren,” stated Dr. Pamela Palmater, Mi’kmaw lawyer and chair in Indigenous governance at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

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Media inquiries:
Zoe Craig-Sparrow, [email protected], 236-237-6879
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721
 
UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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