(OTTAWA) – Following the passage of unanimous policy resolutions on Indigenous Peoples' rights last weekend, the Green Party of Canada is joining thousands of Canadians and organizations urging the Government of Canada to comply with a ruling issued by the Human Rights Tribunal to end discrimination against First Nation children.
The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has ruled that the federal government's funding and management of First Nations child and family services results in the denial of services and creates adverse impacts for First Nations children and families living on reserves.
“First Nations children must absolutely receive equitable child and family services. This discrimination cannot be allowed to continue not one minute longer. The clock is ticking against the future of this next generation,” said Lorraine Rekmans, Indigenous Affairs Critic for the Green Party of Canada.
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), said: “It is unacceptable for the federal government to discriminate against First Nation children on reserves by failing to provide the same level of child welfare services that exist for Canadian children.
“This underfunding affects the most vulnerable children who live in Canada and results in putting these children at risk. It is urgent that the Government address this immediately. Canada must respect basic human rights, especially for children,” Ms. May said.
GPC members unanimously passed five resolutions at a special convention held in Calgary, AB, on Dec. 3 and 4, including a resolution to eliminate poverty for Indigenous women in Canada, and a policy repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery.
NOTE TO MEDIA: The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has granted a hearing on Canada's treatment of First Nations children, including its non-compliance with orders, which takes place this Friday in Washington DC at 3:15 P.M. EST.
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Dan Palmer
Press Secretary | Attaché de presse
dan.palmer@greenparty.ca
m: (613) 614-4916