Mi’kmaw mother could lose custody of 3 disabled children after feds threaten to cut funding

Mary Isaac, a Mi’kmaw mother in Nova Scotia, is facing a terrifying situation where she could potentially lose custody of her three children with disabilities due to the federal government’s decision to cut off funding for their essential services. Isaac, who was once a child in care herself, is no stranger to the trauma of being separated from her family, and now fears history may repeat itself.

Living in Antigonish, N.S., Isaac was recently informed by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) that her children’s 24-hour in-home support and transportation services would be discontinued. This news has left her feeling lost and overwhelmed, as she struggles to provide the necessary care for her children who have high needs with diagnoses such as fetal alcohol syndrome, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The situation escalated when Isaac was hit by a truck while crossing the road in her wheelchair, resulting in severe injuries that have impacted her mobility. As a result, her children began receiving around-the-clock services in September 2022, but now face the possibility of losing these crucial supports.

After hiring a lawyer and reaching out to CBC News for assistance, Isaac was granted a temporary extension of services for three weeks as she fights the decision to discontinue funding. The federal program known as Jordan’s Principle, which is meant to ensure the needs of First Nations children are prioritized, has come under scrutiny for its handling of Isaac’s case.

Isaac’s lawyer, David Taylor, believes that ISC’s decision to cut off funding is a violation of Canada’s obligations under the Canadian Human Rights Act. He argues that the federal government should not be withdrawing essential services from a vulnerable family, especially when there are no viable alternatives in place.

Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, echoes these concerns, stating that the discontinuation of services for Isaac’s children is a breach of Canada’s legal obligations. The federal NDP critic of Indigenous affairs, Nunavut MP Lori Idlout, has also raised questions about the government’s commitment to supporting Indigenous families in need.

Despite Ottawa’s significant investment in programs like Jordan’s Principle, Isaac feels abandoned by all levels of government and fears that child protective services may soon intervene. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on children’s needs rather than cost considerations, urging policymakers to prioritize the well-being of Indigenous children like her own.

As Isaac continues to fight for her children’s right to essential services, the ongoing debate over government funding and support for Indigenous families underscores the need for a more compassionate and effective approach to child welfare in Canada.