Aboriginal child protection: towards resumption of negotiations

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders the parties involved in the child protection file that has lasted for ten years to collaborate -. Similarly, work separately – to reform the system and prevent Ottawa from continuing discrimination against First Nations children.

The ordinance occurs nine years after the court had concluded that the federal government had shown discrimination against First Nations children under sub-funding the child protection system in the reserves. However, following a joint human rights complaint filed in 2007 by the First Nations Assembly (APN) and the Children’s Support Society and the Family of the First Nations of Canada.

The court said that the underfunding of Ottawa was discriminatory. However, as it meant that children living in reserves received fewer services than those living out of reserve. For example, He instructed Canada to conclude an agreement with the aboriginal child protection: towards resumption First Nations to reform the system. Meanwhile, to compensate children tore from their families and placed with foster family. Nevertheless,

But in the nine years which followed this decision. In addition, progress towards an agreement has encountered several obstacles, leading to an agreement of $ 47.8 billion, rejected twice by First Nations last year. Furthermore, Ottawa argued in court in May that the requests submitted to him were unreasonable.

In an order published on August 20, the court declared that the dead end could not last. Therefore, Canada has been ordered to carry out a long -term reform. Canada can agree to negotiate or not, but it cannot be content to wait and let time spendwrote the court.

According to the decision. if Ottawa refuses to take over the negotiations, the APN, the childhood support company and the First Nations family and aboriginal child protection: towards resumption the National Commission for Chiefs for newly created children, as well as their First Nations partners, will be able to present their own reform plan based on evidence.

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Aboriginal child protection: towards resumption

Avoid serious consequences

Cindy Blackstock. director of the Children’s Support Society and the First Nations family, praised the decision.

[Ottawa] Can comply with court orders, save money from Canadians and do the right for children. They just have to make this decision, she said in an interview. If they do not make this decision, I think they will undergo serious consequences, both financial and legal and moral.

Ms. Blackstock has said for over a year that Ottawa is responsible for interruption of negotiations. preferring to focus on a separate agreement concluded with the First Nations of Ontario, awaiting approval.

The court ruled that. although Ottawa has concluded an agreement with the First Nations of Ontario, this agreement should not be imposed on the rest of the country or serve as a reference for future negotiations. aboriginal child protection: towards resumption

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has considered that any proposed plan must have sustainable effects. be adequately funded for present and future generations, integrate various perspectives, be based on evidence, be culturally adapted and guarantee its compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Aboriginal Peoples.

This clearly shows that Canada must sit at the table of negotiations in good faith. discuss how it intends to put an end to discrimination and prevent it from happening again, based on evidence, targeting excellence and not depending on the agreements concluded by Canada in the context of the final agreement with Ontariosaid Mr. Blackstock about the decree.

The Canadian press has contacted the office of the Aboriginal Minister of Services. Mandy Gull-Masty, to obtain a declaration, but has not yet received an answer.