Ottawa claims child welfare talks stalled over AFN’s ‘unreasonable’ requests

OTTAWA — The federal government has told the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that negotiations with the Assembly of First Nations on reforming the child welfare system are stalled and the AFN’s requests are “unreasonable.”

In a May 15 filing to the tribunal, Ottawa says it has made “intensive and meaningful efforts” to reform the system since 2016, when the tribunal concluded that the federal government had discriminated against First Nations children by underfunding the on-reserve child welfare system.

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But Ottawa tells the tribunal those negotiations with the AFN are “no longer working” and there is no “practical utility” to continuing consultations.

Chiefs have twice voted down a federal proposal to reform the child welfare system, saying it didn’t go far enough to protect kids from discrimination.

Ottawa says that deal, worth $47.8 billion, went beyond the scope of what was ordered by the tribunal and accuses the AFN and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of making “extensive further demands.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney said during the federal election campaign he would work with First Nations to reform the system, adding it’s critical to ensuring First Nations children are set up for success.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2025.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press