NAN responds to Ontario's announcement on child welfare

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Walter Naveau has issued the following statement in response to the Government of Ontario’s plan to modernize the child welfare system announced today:

“The transformation of child welfare in Ontario is long overdue, but the Ford government’s strategy doesn’t provide enough detail on funding, resources, and timelines.

Supporting First Nations youth who come into contact with the child welfare system must be a priority for this government, and a clear plan of action is required if any progress is to be made.

We are looking for a strong commitment from this government to improve the tremendous infrastructure gap in our communities due to remoteness. Ontario must work with our First Nation communities to address these service gaps and make significant investments in community infrastructure.

I expect the province to work with NAN to address these gaps and make significant investments in reforming child and family services in the remote North. Our children are our future, and improving their care and wellbeing requires the utmost attention.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation, through its Chiefs Committee on Children Youth and Families, is currently in bi-lateral discussions with both the governments of Ontario and Canada to address NAN-specific issues on child welfare reform.