OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau admits more needs to be done to improve the outcomes and opportunities for young people in First Nations communities.
The prime minister was responding today to a question about why his Liberal government has not complied with a human rights tribunal's orders regarding child welfare on reserves.
Trudeau says his government has done more than any government in history to repair the relationship with indigenous Canadians.
However, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has twice issued compliance orders since its finding in January that the Liberals are discriminating against First Nations children on reserves.
Trudeau cites the fact the government has earmarked $8.4 billion for indigenous programs and services over the next five years.
Cindy Blackstock, the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which first raised the issue nine years ago, says it's time to move past political rhetoric.
Blackstock says at least $200 million is needed this year for immediate relief on child welfare, as opposed to $71 million committed in the budget.
