Liberals try to fend off criticism of response to landmark human rights decision
OTTAWA — The federal Liberals attempted Thursday to fend off criticism of their response to a landmark human rights tribunal decision by announcing talks about First Nations child welfare.
A new special representative will lead national discussions on the reform of First Nations child welfare services, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said before the start of a Commons debate on an NDP motion about the delivery of care on reserves.
Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux — a Lakehead University professor — will advise the government as it works with provinces, territories and child welfare agencies on an overhaul of the system, Bennett said.
“Our job now is to engage with the provinces and territories to change the way the services are delivered,” Bennett said outside the Commons.