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.?
Brenda Sayers: I am a member of the Hupacasath First Nation and I am proud to be the Green Party candidate for the North Island – Powell River riding. I have served on the Council of Hupacasath and as a Director of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
The Green Party recognizes the importance of preventative programming dollars, such as the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach (EPFA), with regards to having healthy First Nations families and communities.
The number of children in care is far too high and must be reduced at a substantial rate. First Nations youth are the future for First Nations’ communities and care must be taken to ensure that they remain in their families and be raised within our culture.
As an MP, I will immediately work to see that the EPFA funding gets to B.C. First Nations communities, to ensure preventative dollars get into the communities as soon as possible.
A review of rates for EPFA shall be conducted in conjunction with First Nations communities to ensure that it covers all of the areas First Nations require for preventative programming.
The Green party is committed to providing sufficient funding to First Nations communities so that positive, effective and meaningful preventative programs can be put in place as soon as possible. The Green Party will review any reports and recommendations and take them into consideration in reviewing the EPFA.
In addition to the EPFA issue, Greens hope other parties will adopt our proposal for a Council of Canadian Governments (federal, provincial/territorial, local, and First Nations, Inuit and Metis). Working Nation-to-Nation at the national level, we can establish the levels of respect and partnership that re-make our nation. Only when we restore First Nations’ trust in the federal government can we build relations by listening, respecting rights, collaborating, and acting on joint actions. We must explore the potential of a powerful partnership based on a sustainable economy.
Canada must also build on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Green Party accepts all recommendations directed to the federal level of government.
One of those recommendations has long been a demand of the Green Party; a commission of inquiry into the missing and murdered aboriginal women.
Finally, we must promote Aboriginal culture, language and history as a fundamental source of Canadian identity. The Green Party supports the development of Aboriginal education curricula that are language and culture specific.
