Bill C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families receives Royal Assent

Co-developed with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners, Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families will finally enshrine into law what Indigenous peoples across Canada have asked of governments for decades: to affirm and recognize their jurisdiction over child and family services

June, 21, 2019 — Ottawa, Unceded Traditional Algonquin Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

Reducing the number of Indigenous children in care continues to be one of the Government of Canada's most important priorities.

On February 28, 2019, the Government introduced Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act). This legislation was co-developed with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners with the goal of keeping Indigenous children and youth connected to their families, communities, and culture.

Today, this crucial piece of legislation for Indigenous children, youth and families has received Royal Assent.

It recognizes a simple truth: one size does not fit all when it comes to Indigenous child and family services. Under Bill C-92, Indigenous communities and groups will be free to develop policies and laws based on their particular histories, cultures, and circumstances. Free to move at their own pace to implement and enforce these policies and laws.

Through the Act, national principles such as the best interests of the child, cultural continuity, and substantive equality have been established to help guide the provision of Indigenous child and family services. The Act also enables Indigenous groups and communities to transition toward exercising partial or full jurisdiction over child and family services at a pace that they choose.

It is also consistent with the Government of Canada's commitments to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action, and the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This legislation is the culmination of extensive engagements with partners, which began with the January 2018 Emergency Meeting on Indigenous Child and Family Services, at which the federal government committed to six points of action to address the over-representation of Indigenous children and youth in care, including exploring the co-development of legislation on Indigenous child and family services. This Act is also a result of the advocacy and leadership of Chiefs and elders, parents and grandparents, youth and community members from across Canada.  

Just as the Act was co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, so will be its implementation. To ensure a smooth transition and implementation of the Act, Indigenous Services Canada and its partners are exploring the creation of distinctions-based transition governance structures with representation from Indigenous partners, Provinces and Territories.

The adoption of Bill C-92 represents a new chapter in the history of Canada and its relationship with Indigenous children, youth and families. It is designed to improve the health and well-being of generations of Indigenous children and youth to come.