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.?
Laura Smith, Conservative Party of Canada candidate: No Response
Rachel Blaney, New Democratic Party of Canada candidate: 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.
Brenda Sayers, Green Party of Canada candidate: 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.
Peter Schwarzhoff, Liberal Party of Canada: It is unconscionable that the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society had to turn to the Canadian Human Rights Commission to seek justice and equality of child and family services on reserve. A Liberal government will immediately remove the 2 per cent funding cap on First Nations programs and will ensure that all First Nations receive equitable funding for child and family services on reserves. When it comes to deciding where investments should be made, we will look to First Nations’ communities and leadership for guidance. First Nations communities know best what will work for them and a Liberal government will be a willing partner to implement First Nations led approaches to the challenges they face. We are open to extending the Enhanced Prevention Focused Approach for child welfare funding to British Columbia, if that is the approach BC First Nations themselves decide would best meet their needs.
Liberals also know that, if we are to truly deal with the over representation of Indigenous children in care, we must also address the root causes - including high levels of poverty and a disproportionate lack of educational and economic opportunities for Indigenous people in Canada. The Harper government has slashed federal resources for First Nations communities and over $1 billion of government funding intended for Indigenous Peoples has been allowed to lapse since 2009. In contrast, a Liberal government will invest an additional $2.6 billion in core First Nations education over the next four years, and establish a new broader fiscal relationship with the Crown that provides First Nations communities with sufficient, predictable, and sustained funding, which reflects the actual costs of program delivery. A Liberal government will immediately re-engage with First Nations in a renewed, respectful and inclusive Nation-to-Nation process to advance progress on priorities identified by First Nations, including housing, infrastructure, health and mental health care, community safety and policing, child welfare, and education. We will make sure the Kelowna Accord – and the spirit of reconciliation that drove it – is embraced, and that its objectives are met in line with today’s challenges.
