Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  In regard to the processing of new applications that would be coming in under Bill S-3, there has been money set aside to establish a unit, and we're currently staffing it. The unit will be composed of 54 individuals to do intake and to assess applications, so if the bill receive

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, the 54 individuals are specifically for the purpose of applications that will be received under Bill S-3.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes. The chain of custody in an accredited institution for the individual who is seeking to have their DNA to confirm, for example—

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  That's right. The individual shows up personally, their identity is confirmed through various pieces that are submitted at the accredited institution, and there the swab is taken by a professional who has confirmed their identity. Then it's sealed.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the question. In terms of who determines credibility, again, obviously for applications for registration, it is my area, so through policy we would definitely define it based upon existing case law and definitions.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Well, I don't have an answer at the moment, but I take into consideration all the evidence I have when I consider an application. My decision is based on a balance of probabilities whereby a reasonable person can believe that someone is eligible for registration or not.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  For now, yes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  If I understand your question, Mr. Saganash, I would say that DNA testing is indeed a credible source if the institution performing it is accredited, and we can guarantee— the chain of custody to make sure that the person who provided a sample is really the right person. The af

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I won't confirm they would receive status, because again, it depends on all of the information submitted. But I will say, in regard to anyone who will apply, for example, or who may be affected by any of the proposed amendments under this bill, they can reapply, and either they w

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  DNA evidence is used today by the department as a means of establishing genealogical link. I understand Mr. Saganash's concern about the use of DNA evidence without any type of explanation around it. What is important to note about DNA evidence is that it's the chain of custody.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The minister is correct, we are in the process of staffing up; $19 million has been earmarked to support the application process for additional individuals in the register.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Merci, Martin. It is a good question. If we compare it to the process that was put in place to deal with the Indian Act amendments as a result of the McIvor decision, we saw the majority of the applications come in within the first two to three years. There will be a peak, and

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The protest period, of course, like the application files, varies on the complexity of the file, so it's difficult to provide a range within which a person can expect an answer. I can say that in the case of this woman you've cited, I do have the discretion to ask for files to be

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I do not have the protest rates. I can undertake to provide them to the committee in response to your question.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I understand what you're saying. When I look at my work when I was in governance and my work as registrar for communities that do control their membership under section 10, as well as those that have their own election codes, for anyone who feels that their rights are not being p