Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - December 19, 2024 - The Canadian government has spent at least $14.5 million fighting a prominent First Nations child advocate in court over the last 18 years, according to a newly released estimate.

The Justice Department identified approximately 19 litigation files in its electronic system involving Canada and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, led by executive director Cindy Blackstock, dating back to 2006.

Blackstock, a Gitksan social worker, academic, and advocate, spent those years fighting at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and in the courts to stop the underfunding of the on-reserve child welfare system.

Nine of the files were brought by Canada and 10 by the Caring Society, with total associated costs amounting to approximately $14,545,000, which would average to about $800,000 per year.

The Crown asserted legal privileges and withheld most of that information.

New Democrat MP Niki Ashton criticized the lack of transparency but called it typical of a government that chooses to fight rather than live up to its obligations.

The Liberals have long denied they are fighting Indigenous kids in court, saying Canada wants a fair resolution but turned to the courts for guidance on some of the human rights tribunal's precedent-setting orders.