NDP accuses Liberals of dividing First Nations by refusing new national talks on child welfare reform

The NDP has accused the Liberal government of causing division among First Nations by refusing to renew national negotiations on child and family services reform. This decision came after chiefs rejected Ottawa’s $47.8-billion proposal last fall. The proposal, known as the final settlement agreement, aimed to overhaul the First Nations child and family services program over a 10-year period.

In a confidential letter to the Assembly First Nations (AFN) on Monday, Canada stated that they would not engage in further negotiations on reform at a national level at this time. Instead, Ottawa is moving forward with discussions with First Nations leaders in Ontario, the only region that officially endorsed the proposal. The goal is to establish a separate agreement with Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) based on the original terms.

Lori Idlout, NDP Indigenous Services critic and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, criticized the government for perpetuating discrimination and neglecting some First Nations children and families. She stated that despite having nearly a decade to address the issue, the government chose to segregate First Nations communities and break their promises.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal previously ruled in 2016 that the First Nations child and family services program was underfunded and discriminatory, resulting in more children being placed in state custody today than during the peak of the residential school system. The AFN and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, led by executive director Cindy Blackstock, have been at the forefront of this 18-year-old case, with COO and NAN also playing significant roles as interveners.

Following Canada’s decision, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation and prorogued Parliament until late March. In response, Blackstock emphasized that the discriminator should not be allowed to choose which child victims receive justice. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak pledged to continue discussions with the AFN’s executive committee.

Chiefs outside of Ontario are considering their options, with leaders in British Columbia and Quebec evaluating the new information. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict acknowledged the challenges of achieving a national reform given the varying circumstances across provinces. He did not directly address concerns about Canada exploiting division among First Nations for its benefit.

Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu’s spokesperson, Jennifer Kozelj, clarified that Canada is not excluding the AFN or refusing to engage with the chiefs’ directives. Canada’s decision follows a contentious AFN meeting in October where chiefs nationally rejected the deal, calling for a new negotiation process.

Minister Hajdu expressed optimism about reaching a deal that benefits all First Nations communities. Liberal MP Jaime Battiste, who chairs the party’s Indigenous caucus, emphasized the importance of the original offer and the challenges ahead. He acknowledged that the situation is unprecedented and uncertain as the Liberal Party selects a new leader.

The issue of child and family services reform within First Nations communities remains a complex and ongoing challenge that requires collaboration, understanding, and a commitment to equity and justice for all children and families.