WENDAKE, QC, Oct. 28, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) today wish to draw attention to the motion introduced by the New Democratic Party (NDP) calling on the federal government to abide by the decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) and stop discrimination against First Nations children. "The NDP has reiterated what we have been asking for, for many years—that the liberal government act without delay on the CHRT's decision. The rights of our children are also human rights," said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL. "The NDP's motion is a reminder to the government of its obligations," added Chief Picard.
In submitting the motion to a vote of Parliament in the coming days, the New Democrats are urging the government to abide by the historic decision of the CHRT, which ordered a stop to discrimination against First Nations children. Last January, the CHRT declared the federal government guilty of discriminating against First Nations children through its inadequate funding and delivery of community services for children. The CHRT clearly instructed the government to act on its decision. "Is the government above the law? A CHRT ruling and two executory orders. The message couldn't be clearer," added Chief Picard.
Jordan's Principle
Jordan's Principle arose from a parliamentary motion adopted in 2007. It requires governments to set aside jurisdictional conflicts regarding the payment of services so that First Nations children receive the same level of care as other young Canadians. Jordan's Principle is in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a little 5-year-old boy from the Norway House First Nation of Manitoba who died in hospital two years after a medical team recommended his release, but which never happened because neither the federal nor the provincial government would take responsibility for the cost of his home care.
About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is a political grouping of 43 First Nations Chiefs in Quebec and Labrador: www.apnql-afnql.com
About the FNQLHSSC
The role of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission is to support First Nations and Inuit communities and agencies in Quebec and Labrador in defending, upholding and asserting the inherent right to health and social services while helping them plan and deliver culturally appropriate programs: www.cssspnql.com
SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Source: Mélanie Vincent, [email protected], Cell: 418-580-4442; Chantal Cleary, communication officer, FNQLHSSC, [email protected], Cell. : 418-842-1540, ext. 2304
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