First Nations Chiefs Reject $47.8 Billion Child Welfare Reform Deal
The Assembly of First Nations voted down the agreement with Canada, citing insufficient consultation and unresolved issues.
- The vote took place during a special assembly in Calgary, where 267 out of 414 chiefs opposed the resolution.
- The proposed deal aimed to address decades of discriminatory child welfare policies affecting First Nations children.
- Critics argue the agreement lacks adequate measures to prevent ongoing discrimination and insufficiently involves First Nations in its formulation.
- The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal had ordered the reform following a class-action lawsuit against the federal government.
- Debate continues on whether to allow more time for review, with calls for a 90-day extension to re-evaluate the deal.