social services

The federal Indigenous Services Minister is confirming that funding will flow to Ontario First Nations as planned under a child and family services agreement.

Mandy Gull-Masty has asked for a judicial review of a decision to exclude two First Nations from that agreement.

She says it will not impact the federal government’s plans to move forward with the agreement for those it impacts.

“The Ontario Final Agreement is a powerful example of what is possible when agreements reflect regional realities and support solutions created by and for communities,” says Gull-Masty.

“It is supported by 131 of the 133 First Nations communities in Ontario, and it truly shines a light on a path forward.”

She says funding will begin to be distributed on May 29th.

In its acceptance of the agreement, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal also honoured the wishes of two First Nations who wanted to be excluded.

Gull-Masty says she is supportive of working with those communities but sought a review to get further information to ensure the discussions lead to what the communities are seeking.

“So we are in a place of trying to just access more information to be sure that we’re supporting communities with the outcomes that they’re seeking to achieve,” says Gull-Masty.

Under the Ontario agreement, Canada is committing 8.5 billion starting in 2027 for seven years, with an annual allotment of $4.4 billion each year after that.

Gull-Masty would not disclose how that money would be rolled out, noting a ceremony on May 29th would unveil more.