MCNS Directors visit Parliament to share testimony

November 11, 2025

Tansi! Greetings to our Michel descendants!

The last week of October was a busy and very exciting one for Michel Callihoo Nation Society (MCNS) Board of Directors as we travelled to Ottawa to garner support for the passage of Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements), and band creation.

Our main purpose was the testimony of Beverley Asmann before the Standing Committee on Indigenous People to support the passing of Bill S-2. During our visit, we also met with Senators and Members of Parliament (MPs) to share our efforts on band creation as well.

The Senate Standing Committee on Bill S-2 has made it clear that they are receiving a number of requests to include an amendment for the Second Generation Cutoff in this bill.

However, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Minister Gull-Masty has strongly expressed her obligation and ‘duty to consult’ with First Nation communities on this issue first. It is a very complicated issue and not one size fits all.

The Minister is currently consulting with 90 First Nation communities, including MCNS, and hopes to bring a path forward to Parliament early in the new year.

Learn More

Watch the recent testimonies of Director Brandy Callihoo and Director Beverly Asmann. 

Listen to ISC Minister Gull-Masty speak of Michel Descendants and quote the testimony of Beverly Asmann noting the importance of Bill S-2 to MCNS.

Who We Met With

Senator Prosper – member of Standing Committee on S-2

• not familiar with Michel story acknowledged the plight of Michel descendants should the passing of S-2 be delayed 

MP Dane Lloyd - Parkland 

• familiar with Michel story of Michel Band enfranchisement, expressed support for MCNS efforts, promised to raise issue with Conservative caucus, understands importance of passing S-2

MP Billy Morin – Shadow Critic - ISC Minister Conservative - former Chief of Enoch Cree Nation

• very familiar with Michel story, has been in discussion with ISC Minister Gull-Masty and understands the importance of passing S-2 without amendments 

MP Jamie Schmeel – Shadow Critic of CIRNAC Minister Rebbeca Alty

• was not familiar with story of Michel Band enfranchisement, discussed importance of passing of S-2 for Michel Descendants

Update

The Standing Committee on Bill S-2 has added an amendment to Bill S-2 to include the Second Generation Cutoff.  A more detailed explanation on this will be provided at our virtual information session taking place on November 27th in collaboration with ISC.