Government of Canada ignores productivity crisis with new working group

In Canada, the ongoing issue of backlogged child services cases for First Nations children remains unresolved. The federal government recently informed the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that it is unable to specify when it will address the 140,000 requests related to Jordan's Principle. This principle mandates that First Nations children should receive health, social, and educational services from the government they first approach, while any jurisdictional disputes are settled later. As of December 10, the government stated that it prioritizes urgent requests but cannot feasibly tackle all cases within an expected timeline. The tribunal has called for a detailed plan from Canada by December 10, but the government has concluded this deadline is unmanageable. Advocates, including the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, have voiced concerns that this delay compromises the well-being of First Nations children. Activists argue that the government has not fulfilled its legal obligations under the principle, leading to ongoing suffering among vulnerable populations. The lack of a timeline fuels frustration among First Nations leaders and community members, as the ongoing delays prolong unnecessary hardships for children in need of essential services. This situation has raised questions about Canada's commitment to addressing the needs of Indigenous populations and adhering to legal frameworks designed to protect their rights.