First Nations leaders have approved a revised settlement which would compensate children who suffered under Canada’s on-reserve child welfare system.
That revision comes months after the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal rejected an initial agreement reached with the Assembly of First Nations.
Originally, the Tribunal had ordered Ottawa to pay $40,000 in compensation to all children who suffered under the discriminatory child welfare system since 2006.
In July, the Federal Government countered with a $40 billion settlement, half of which would be earmarked for compensation.
While the AFN agreed to that agreement, the Tribunal did not, stating that $20 billion was not enough to meet the criteria laid out in the order.
It also left out many children, including those who had been denied coverage under the Jordan’s Principle.
Now, the AFN and First Nations Child and Family Caring Society have negotiated another $3 billion to add to the compensation package.
Now totalling $23.3 billion, the revised settlement would cover more than 300,000 children, including many left out of the first agreement.
It will extend coverage to children who were placed in care not funded by Indigenous services Canada, caregivers impacted by the narrow definition of Jordan’s Principle, and the estates of parents who would have been eligible for compensation.
Approved today by the General Chiefs Assembly, the agreement must now gain the approval of the Tribunal and Federal Courts.
Once available, next steps in the process and eligibility information will be posted at this link.
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