Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - September 19, 2024 - The Canadian government is urging the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to dismiss concerns about a large backlog of unprocessed Jordan's Principle requests, which puts First Nations children at risk.

The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which sparked the hearing through a non-compliance motion, alleges that Canada is violating past tribunal orders requiring Ottawa to correct underfunding and properly implement Jordan's Principle.

The aim of Jordan's Principle is to reduce delays, helping First Nations kids access health care, social, and educational supports when they need them.

Canada has had its chance to refute Blackstock's claim, with Justice Canada lawyer Dayna Anderson stating that the Caring Society's concerns about backlogs are valid but not public administration experts.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN), representing over 600 chiefs countrywide and a co-complainant in this case, is hedging, with AFN lawyer Stuart Wuttke urging the tribunal to take a cautious, hands-off approach given the deep negotiations on long-term child welfare reform.

The AFN and Caring Society have split on strategy, with advocacy organizations Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation largely echoed the AFN's position, while the Caring Society has the endorsement of the First Nations Leadership Council, representing 204 chiefs in British Columbia.