QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Jobs and Families
First Nations Child and Family Services
December 9, 2025
As per the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, or MKO, Resolution 2025-11-02, the MKO Chiefs in General Assembly declared their support for the National Children’s Chiefs Commission, or NCCC, in developing a plan to permanently end Canada’s discrimination in First Nations Child and Family Services in response to the August 2025 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s Ruling 80, which orders the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society to work with the NCCC and First Nations leadership.
Has Canada collaborated with the NCCC in developing a plan on long-term reform of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society? Furthermore, Canada has appealed the 2025 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s Ruling 80.
Again, this falls under the purview of my colleague Minister Mandy Gull-Masty. Although I am very aware of much of the work that has happened over the last three and a half years, it would be inappropriate for me to respond on her behalf.
As per the MKO Resolution 2025-11-11, the Province of Manitoba is continuing to misappropriate children’s special allowance, or CSA, funds from First Nations children in care. Will Canada work with the MKO so that the Province of Manitoba ends its practice of misappropriating CSA funds, a federal benefit for First Nations children in care?
Again, this is work that my colleague is conducting on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada. I will say this, though: Some of the most profound moments in my career have been when I was signing child welfare agreements with communities to restore their rightful care and control over their children and families. I will always carry those moments with me.
