Honourable Carolyn Bennett Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs House of Commons Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0A6 Dear Minister Bennett, I am writing to you to express my delight at the recent decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that the underfunding of social services on First Nations reserves government’s constituted a violation of the rights of Indigenous peoples. As a social worker I am highly aware of the unremitting stress that poverty places on families and its connection to the breakdown of family well-being and therefore the welfare and safety of children. The over-representation of Indigenous children in public care is a constant reminder to us of failed public policy. I applaud your commitment to bringing social services in reserve communities on par with other Canadian communities, reaffirming Principle and Jordan’s reducing the number of Indigenous children in public care. I am aware of the estimate of $109 million being needed to close the service gap between Indigenous people on reserve and other Canadians. As a social worker, I see the money your government will spend as an investment that will strengthen our social infrastructure and our journey toward reconciliation and social equity. Thank you for your work. Sincerely, YOUR NAME & CITY/PROV .cc Prime Minister Justine Trudeau YOUR MP NAME & EMAIL ADDRESS Dr. Cindy Blackstock info@fncaringsociety.com
Honourable Carolyn Bennett Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs House of Commons Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0A6 Dear Minister Bennett, I am writing to you to express my delight at the recent decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that the government’s underfunding of social services on First Nations reserves constituted a violation of the rights of Indigenous peoples. As a social worker I am highly aware of the unremitting stress that poverty places on families and its connection to the breakdown of family well-being and therefore the welfare and safety of children. The over-representation of Indigenous children in public care is a constant reminder to us of failed public policy. I applaud your commitment to bringing social services in reserve communities on par with other Canadian communities, reaffirming Jordan’s Principle and reducing the number of Indigenous children in public care. I am aware of the estimate of $109 million being needed to close the service gap between Indigenous people on reserve and other Canadians. As a social worker, I see the money your government will spend as an investment that will strengthen our social infrastructure and our journey toward reconciliation and social equity. Thank you for your work. Sincerely, YOUR NAME & CITY/PROV .cc Prime Minister Justine Trudeau YOUR MP NAME & EMAIL ADDRESS Dr. Cindy Blackstock info@fncaringsociety.com