Negotiations for regional agreements to advance long-term reform of First Nations child and family services
Learn about negotiations for regional agreements with First Nations entities on the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
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Background
Canada has begun negotiations with regional First Nations entities on long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. This reform will center on implementation of regional agreements within a national framework.
By working directly with regional First Nations entities, Canada will be able to support Indigenous-led models of reform that best reflect the regional realities of communities. Regional negotiations will ensure that First Nations are part of shaping how the reformed First Nations Child and Family Services Program is implemented, both now and in the years to come.
First Nation entities
Canada will work with First Nations entities that have a mandate from the majority of First Nations in a region to negotiate. The First Nations entity will not have to be part of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal proceedings on the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
Objective
Negotiations towards regional agreements will focus on the implementation of adjustments to the proposed national framework to better reflect a particular region’s context. This could include adjustments to reporting, planning, and governance frameworks. Direct negotiations will allow regional differences in cultures and circumstances to be considered.
Funding
This work will be supported by $35.5 billion over seven years, beginning in April 2027 until 2033-34, followed by $4.4 billion annually ongoing to ensure First Nations children and families have stable, sustainable services now and into the future. During regional negotiations, there will be no interruption to services — Canada will continue to deliver and fund child and family services on a national level.
This reform approach builds on previous negotiations to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. The exact funding amount for each regional agreement would be determined proportionally by region, using the national framework, and based on regional population, remoteness, past funding and other factors.
Canada’s plan
Consult Building a Better Future for First Nations Families, Together to learn more about:
- Canada’s plan submitted to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
- the strength of the National Framework
- the value of negotiating regional agreements
Contact us
For more information on negotiations for regional agreements:
First Nations Children and Families Program and Partnerships Branch
Indigenous Services Canada
10 rue Wellington 22nd floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0H4
Email: InfoRLT-LTRInfo@sac-isc.gc.ca