What is the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on First Nations Child Welfare?

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CWRP Information Sheet #146E. Montreal, QC: Centre for Research on Children and Families.

This Information Sheet provides an overview of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on First Nations Child Welfare. In 2007, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and the Assembly of First Nations filed a complaint against the federal government of Canada, alleging that child welfare services provided to First Nations children and families on-reserve were flawed, inequitable and discriminatory. They ask that the Tribunal find that First Nations children are being discriminated against and order appropriate remedies. The government countered this, stating that its services cannot be compared to those provided by the provinces/territories and that they do not offer a service in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act. Accordingly, the government asks that the case be dismissed. The Tribunal began hearing evidence in 2013 and a ruling is expected in mid-2015.

To view the final submissions to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on First Nations Child Welfare in full, please visit: http://www.fncaringsociety.com/final-arguments.

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Information Sheet #146