First Nations in Alberta get top up in funding

• A decision by the Alberta government to top up funding for First Nations child welfare agencies on reserves could set an important example for other provinces, a prominent Ottawa social worker says.

After a troubling report about three children who spent much of their lives in foster care and who died after returning to the care of their biological mothers, Alberta’s deputy premier Sarah Hoffman announced this month that the province would make up the difference for underfunded First Nations child and family services.

Cindy Blackstock, an Ottawa-based social worker and activist on the issue, lauded the decision.

“If they implement it, and that’s the key piece, announcements are not enough ... then I think this provides a great example and I do agree that they should be taking up the fight with Canada,” Blackstock said. “There should be no room for little kids to get less public services because of their race. Not in 2017. Not in this country.”

Blackstock said the decision is “Jordan’s principle at its best,” referring to the idea that governments should put aside jurisdictional squabbles when First Nations kids are at risk.

Hoffman compared it to having an injured child showing up at the emergency room. The priority is treatment, not fighting over the bills, she said.

“The courts have been pretty darn clear that the time for jurisdiction is over,” said Hoffman. “We really do expect the federal government to step up and be that partner, but in the meantime we’re going to make sure we do everything we can as the provincial government working on behalf of these kids.”

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said she was surprised by Alberta’s decision, especially considering the recent $25 million funding boost for the province. The main goal that everyone agrees on, she said, is to have fewer child apprehensions and fewer kids in care.

Bennett said the government is working to get the money flowing in a “needsbased” way, and it will take some time to get a clear picture of the various needs of all the agencies across the country. She said the recent funding boost was an estimate and more money could be provided if the agencies tell them there is a need for it.

WE REALLY DO EXPECT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STEP UP AND BE THAT PARTNER.

Hoffman said the province wasn’t necessarily trying to set a precedent with the decision.

“If we’re first in the country, so be it, but that isn’t our main motivator, but making sure that kids are safe and their families are supported is,” said Hoffman.

The decision in Alberta follows a ruling last year from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, which said the government was underfunding child welfare services on reserves, compared to provincial funding, which amounted to discrimination. Blackstock, executive director of First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada, was the driving force behind the tribunal case.

Ottawa promised a boost of $635 million over five years in the budget, with most of the money backloaded. The funding ramps up from $71 million in 201617 to $177 million in 2020-21.