Canada Uncertain on Clearing 140,000 Backlogged Cases for First Nations Kids
Canada struggles to provide a timeline for resolving 140,000 backlogged cases affecting First Nations children’s services
Ottawa, Canada, First Nations, Jordan’s Principle, Child Welfare
Ottawa: So, Canada recently told the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that it can’t really say when it will tackle the 140,000 backlogged requests for Jordan’s Principle. This principle is super important because it ensures that First Nations kids get the health, social, or educational services they need right away, no matter which government is involved.
The tribunal had asked Canada to figure out how many cases were backlogged and to come back with a solid plan by December 10. But when that date rolled around, Canada said it just wasn’t feasible to give a timeline. They mentioned that this could mess with how services are delivered to First Nations kids and their families.
Canada claims that their main focus is to sort out the urgent requests first before they can even think about the rest of the backlog. However, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society is really worried. They believe that kids will keep suffering because Canada isn’t meeting its responsibilities under this principle.
This whole situation was first reported by The Canadian Press on December 12, 2024, and it’s definitely raising some eyebrows.