Statement on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Decision on First Nations Child and Family Services

OTTAWA, Jan. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, welcomed the decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on the Assembly of First Nations and First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada human rights complaint with the following statement:

"We thank the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for rendering such an important decision on the welfare of First Nations children in Canada.

This Government believes that all First Nation communities deserve adequate program supports and funding to ensure the needs of our most vulnerable members of society -First Nation children on reserve, are being met.

The Tribunal has made it clear that the system in place today is failing. In a society as prosperous and as generous as Canada, this is unacceptable. This Government agrees that we can and must do better. 

The Prime Minister has tasked us to work with Indigenous Peoples to establish a nation-to-nation relationship, based on recognition of rights, respect, and co-operation, and partnership to make real progress on the issues like child welfare.

We must address the inexcusable number of children in care and make real progress on the social outcomes for children by working with First Nations leaders and communities, provincial and territorial partners. Child and family services issues are complex and require constructive dialogue through a renewed relationship built on trust and partnership. Together, we will make the right changes for better outcomes for First Nations children. 

We would also like to recognize the work done by Cindy Blackstock and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Assembly of First Nations, and other organizations to understand the complex and deeply-rooted issues surrounding the needs of indigenous children in care. As we work together on improving the well-being and opportunities of First Nation children across the country, we will need the help and collaboration of all those involved in child and family services issues."

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

Information regarding the Government of Canada's child and family services can be found here: http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100035204/1100100035205

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal's Decision is available at http://decisions.chrt-tcdp.gc.ca/chrt-tcdp/decisions/en/item/127700/index.do

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160, Department of Justice, Media Relations Central Line, 613-957-4207, [email protected]