Key Takeaways:
- The Government of Canada is committed to reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program to prioritize children, families, and communities.
- A detailed plan will be submitted to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to reform the FNCFS program, respecting regional approaches within a national framework.
- The plan includes funding of $35.5 billion to 2033-34 and an ongoing commitment of $4.4 billion annually to support First Nations children and families.
- Regional agreements will enable First Nations-led solutions to keep children connected to their families, cultures, and communities.
- The reform aims to strengthen families rather than separate them, with a focus on First Nations jurisdiction and leadership.
Introduction to the Reform
The Government of Canada has announced its commitment to advancing long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program. The Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, Mandy Gull-Masty, has announced that a detailed plan will be submitted to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to reform the program. This plan aims to put children, families, and communities at the centre of care, ensuring that they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. The Government of Canada recognizes the urgent need for transformative change in the FNCFS program, which has historically been criticized for separating too many First Nations children from their families and communities.
The Need for Reform
The current state of the FNCFS program is a pressing concern, with far too many First Nations children remaining in care. This reality underscores the need for a fundamental shift in approach, one that prioritizes strengthening families rather than separating them. The Government of Canada acknowledges that this reform must be led by First Nations communities and their families, who are best positioned to determine the solutions that will work best for them. By supporting First Nations-led regional agreements, the Government of Canada aims to empower communities to design and deliver child and family services that are tailored to their distinct realities.
Regional Agreements and Funding
The proposed plan includes funding of $35.5 billion to 2033-34, as well as an ongoing commitment of $4.4 billion annually after that. This funding will support the development of regional agreements, which will enable First Nations to tailor the delivery of child and family services to their unique needs and contexts. The approach will allow for reform to reflect regional context, with more power over governance, reporting, and planning frameworks. Additionally, funding will be provided to support First Nations Representatives, who play a critical role in advocating for the rights of children and helping to keep them safely connected to their families, cultures, and communities.
A Principled Commitment to First Nations Leadership
The Government of Canada’s approach to regional agreements is guided by a principled commitment to First Nations jurisdiction and leadership. This commitment is reflected in the success of the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the FNCFS Program in Ontario, which has demonstrated the effectiveness of First Nations-led solutions in improving outcomes for children and families. By building on this success, the Government of Canada aims to create a national framework that supports the development of regional agreements, while also respecting the diversity and autonomy of First Nations communities.
Next Steps
Later today, the Government of Canada will submit its proposed plan to the CHRT, marking a significant step towards achieving the goal of reforming the FNCFS program. Discussions with interested regional First Nation entities will begin early in the new year, providing an opportunity for communities to engage with the proposal and provide feedback. The Government of Canada remains committed to improving outcomes for First Nations children, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that they can grow up safe, supported, and connected to their families, cultures, and communities.
Conclusion
The Government of Canada’s commitment to reforming the FNCFS program is a critical step towards addressing the historical injustices and ongoing challenges faced by First Nations children and families. By prioritizing First Nations-led solutions and regional agreements, the Government of Canada aims to create a more equitable and effective child and family services system. With a focus on strengthening families and communities, rather than separating them, the proposed plan offers a promising path forward for improving outcomes for First Nations children. As the Government of Canada moves forward with this initiative, it is essential that it continues to prioritize the needs and perspectives of First Nations communities, working in partnership to create a brighter future for all.
