Base funding for federal support of First Nations Child and Family Services is based on a formula set in 1989. In 2007, after years of recommendations, the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach (EPFA) began to be rolled out region by region. This funding would help prevent children from entering care in the first place. After years of promises, the Federal Government has yet to release EPFA federal funding to BC First Nations (one of the only Provinces in Canada that has yet to receive the funding). What are you and your party committed to do to ensure that EPFA dollars flow to B.C.?
Rachel Blaney: The treatment of and lack of respect for First Nations peoples by the Harper government is simply unacceptable and this is one of the reasons why I am running for the NDP in this federal election.
I know firsthand the importance and contribution of the First Nations Child and Family services programs. For several years I had the honour of being an on-reserve foster parent. I know that this is a critical component to the improvement of the lives of children and families by keeping those essential family connections. However, I know that there continues to be enormous gaps in the current system and that our kids need and deserve better.
It is simply unacceptable that BC continues to wait for funding for Enhanced Prevention. The very best thing for children and for families is to find the most appropriate ways to keep families together. And the best way to accomplish that is by prevention. We should not just be creating bandaid style solutions, we must find long term solutions and the only way that this can be accomplished is with a federal government that is willing to listen and to collaborate and to support however it can. This is simply not happening with the current Harper government.
I am committed to helping to make life better for First Nations children and families and will do whatever I can to see that all the funding for all programs that are need to improve the lives of children is delivered.
I was so proud of our leader, Tom Mulcair, when he announced that an NDP government is fully committed to a new relationship with First Nations peoples in Canada. An NDP government will establish a national enquiry into the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls within our first 100 days. We will implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and we will consult and act on the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We will improve essential physical infrastructure such as housing, schools, roads and drinking water facilities.
There is still so much to do for Nuu-chah-nulth people and for all First Nations people across Canada. I would be honoured to do that work on your behalf.
