WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) welcomes the comments by Minister Jane Philpott that signify a change in the federal government’s stance when it comes to properly funding the costs for child welfare agencies.
“It’s a good decision for Indigenous kids. This could mean, someday soon, First Nations families will no longer be afraid of the government coming to take away their kids, because of poverty or the inability to access social programs. I am sure the child welfare agencies in northern Manitoba will welcome this funding,” Grand Chief Sheila North said. “We may now see an end to a child and family services system that sees the government take away children just to reduce government liability. I am happy that Canada has stopped challenging the findings of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and its subsequent rulings. I’m looking forward to seeing what the additional investment in CFS funding will be in the 2018 budget and we will be watching closely to see how effectively the Liberals meet their promise. The child poverty rates on-reserve in Manitoba lead the country. This is a terrible statistic that has to be improved.”
The MKO is pleased this funding will be retroactive to January 2016. The shortfall in social services funding means that these programs cannot meet the needs of people in the Keewatinowi region. The MKO supports the federal government’s six-point plan that urges greater First Nation jurisdiction and First Nation led approaches. The MKO would also like to see the majority of the new funding go directly to the agencies and not be held up, clawed back or used to incentivize placement with non-indigenous families by the province.
“It is time for First Nation families to have the tools and services to give their children a positive future. A lack of effective social programs can be a factor in violence, MMIW, and other social ills. It means police and courts have less tools to work with when it comes to dealing with family issues,” Grand Chief North said.
