While First Nations leaders are praising federal legislation to move control of Indigenous child welfare from the provinces and territories to First Nations, the Saskatchewan Minister of Social Services says this province was not involved in the development of the legislation.
“Any changes to child welfare must be made through open dialogue with all parties involved, building on the good work that has already been accomplished. Unfortunately, the Federal Government chose not to collaborate with provinces and territories to develop this legislation,” Paul Merriman said in a statement.
“Many critical details of this Act and its implementation are unknown. Saskatchewan would like to be an active participant in finalizing these details.”
Indigenous groups have long lobbied for more control in the area. Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde says the legislation is a step in the right direction and the main priority now is to get it passed through all levels of Parliament before the House of Commons adjourns and an election takes place in the fall.
“We’ve got four months to get this done,” he says. “If we don’t achieve royal assent, this is an introduction for first reading. It has a very precarious journey to go in four months to achieve that royal assent.”
Métis National Council President Clem Chartier says the new legislation is an important step in strengthening Indigenous self-government. “The legislation that we see before us is another milestone in achieving the growth in the relationship with the current government on a nation-to-nation, government-to-government basis,” he explained.
Merriman says the provincial government will be reviewing the legislation to “fully understand its implications and identify issues that could impact vulnerable families.”
With files from Fraser Needham
(PHOTO: Sask. Social Services Minister Paul Merriman.)