QUESTION PERIOD — Indigenous Services
Indigenous Child Welfare
November 17, 2022
My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Senator Gold, last July the government and the Assembly of First Nations reached an agreement in principle to compensate First Nations children and families harmed by the on-reserve child welfare system. To support the agreement in principle, the appropriation bill — approved in June — provided Indigenous Services Canada with $20 billion to compensate those children and their families. But, last month, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal would not approve the agreement in principle, and the government still has the $20 billion approved.
My question is about the $20 billion. It is a significant amount of money. It is in the fiscal framework. At this point in the fiscal year — which ends in four months — it is unlikely to be spent. If it is not spent, it could be used to reduce the deficit.
My concern is that the government will use it for some other purpose and spend it. Since the agreement in principle has not been approved, what is the government planning to do with the $20 billion?
Thank you for the question.
The government is committed to using that $20 billion for the long-term reform of First Nations Child and Family Services and, with Jordan’s Principle, continues to work with the Assembly of First Nations and other partners to that end.
The government is disappointed in the decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. Although it recognizes the importance and significance of the historic $20-billion agreement, it is disappointing — primarily and fundamentally for First Nations individuals and partners who are eagerly seeking compensation to which they’re entitled. The government is working with them to make that happen.
Could you give us more details with regard to how the government is proceeding? We are looking at $20 billion that, most likely, won’t be spent this year. Are they working on it now, or is it something that has been earmarked for the next fiscal year? I would like to know exactly where they are in the process, because it seems as though they are back to square one. Could you provide us with a further update?
Thank you for the question. This is an important initiative that the government has been working on with its partners for a long time. I don’t think it is back to square one. The government is continuing to work with the AFN, Moushoom and Trout counsel — and is grateful for the work they have all done to date — and will continue to work with those partners to find a solution.
