Liberal government finally ordered to respect the human rights of Indigenous kids, youth and families

Canada’s NDP Leader, Jagmeet Singh, made the following statement is reaction to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal settlement for First Nations kids:

“On Wednesday, after years of court battles, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has finally approved the compensation agreement for all children, youth and families affected by the government’s purposeful underfunding of child and family services. This is long overdue.

I want to recognize the hard work of all the advocates who workers tirelessly to get us here—especially Cindy Blackstock - as well as the resiliency of the victims, families, and communities to keep this fight going. Your dedication and unrelenting passion for justice is the reason these kids are their families are finally going to get what they’re owed.

After years of underfunding schools and ignoring the needs and safety of Indigenous youth and kids in care, the Trudeau government hid behind empty promises to Indigenous kids and repeatedly fought them to court. While the settlement agreement is welcome news today, true justice will only come after the Government of Canada implements effective measures to ensure no child is discriminated against ever again.

Despite Canadian courts ruling that Trudeau’s government “willfully and recklessly” discriminated against Indigenous kids, they appealed this decision over and over again, forcing Indigenous kids, their families, and entire communities to fight a costly and heartbreaking legal battle. Now, these Indigenous kids won’t have to fight any longer for the compensation and respect they deserve.

New Democrats have had their backs every step of the way. We will always stand up to the discriminatory practices of governments ignoring the human rights of Indigenous peoples. And, even when negotiating the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Liberals, we were clear— we will always fight against any government taking Indigenous kids to court.

Even though this ruling represents a hard-fought win for Indigenous kids, youth and their families, we know there is still much more work to do. They continue to face huge gaps in funding to their education, school and homes infested with dangerous mold, and unsafe drinking water for many communities across the country.

After eight years of empty promises, the federal government must support Indigenous communities with respect and real action. No more court battles trying to deny Indigenous kids their rights; we need leaders who don’t just say the right things but actually do them.”