News

 

Toronto, ON – A few months ago the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services cut child welfare agencies in Ontario by approximately $23 million dollars, close to $4.25 million of these cuts were to four First Nation child welfare agencies.

 

“When one considers the challenges that First Nation children and youth are experiencing in many of our communities this situation clearly does not make sense. The reality is that these cuts translate into cutting back services for vulnerable children and families that truly need the support while the government has squandered millions with little to no accountability in other areas” stated Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

 

Grand Chief Randall Phillips, child welfare portfolio holder for the Chiefs of Ontario, and Grand Chief of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Nations, stated “Funding to First Nation agencies was inadequate before these most recent cuts so it is incomprehensible that these cuts would be made. It is a well documented fact that First Nation children are among the most vulnerable and marginalized in society” Grand Chief Phillips indicated that the First Nations leadership in Ontario will not sit idly by while First Nation children again become the victims of government funding cuts. “Children and youth in our communities are in crisis. Enough is enough, how can the government justify cutting funding to where it is so badly required. Our leadership is very disturbed by this and are considering our options to ensure this funding is restored as quickly as possible” said Grand Chief Phillips.

 

“This situation is not acceptable. The First Nations leadership in Ontario are calling on the government of Ontario, and Premier McGuinty, to reverse these cuts as soon as possible” said Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.