Overview

• The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s Aug. 20 order directs parties to resume negotiations to reform on-reserve child welfare or allow First Nations groups to file their own evidence‑based plan.
• The ruling follows the tribunal’s earlier finding that federal underfunding discriminated against children on reserve by providing fewer services than off reserve.
• The tribunal said an Ontario agreement cannot be imposed nationally or used as the benchmark for a Canada‑wide settlement.
• Any reform must be lasting, fully funded for future generations, evidence‑driven, culturally appropriate and consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Talks had stalled after a $47.8‑billion proposal was twice rejected last year; Cindy Blackstock welcomed the new order as the minister’s office, via spokesperson Livi McElrea, said it is seeking the best deal and would return to the table if required.