Statement from the Federal Minister of Health and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians regarding Motion 296, Jordan's Principle

Statement

December 12, 2007
2007-170

OTTAWA - Our Government is taking the necessary steps to make sure a tragedy, such as the one upon which this motion is sadly based, never happens again. Our Government is committed to putting children first and is proud to support motion 296, 'Jordan's Principle.'

This Government believes that the health and safety of all children
must always triumph over any issues of jurisdiction.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is working closely with Health
Canada as well as provincial and First Nations partners to ensure that
jurisdictional issues do not impact a child's quality of care.
Governments need to work together to see that First Nations and Inuit
children have access to the same services available to other children.

In addition to Jordan's principle, this Government has struck a new
partnership with the Province and Treaty First Nations in Alberta to
implement a prevention based approach to child and family services for
First Nations on reserves in that province.

We are exploring similar approaches with other provinces and First
Nations in order to reduce the number of children in care and provide
better services for First Nations children and families.

We are confident that by taking action, strong in partnership, we can
accomplish the work required to make sure the welfare of a child always
comes first.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs
Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

The Hounourable Tony Clement
Minister of Health Canada

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For more information, please contact:

Phillipe Mailhot
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002

Laryssa Waler
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200