SIX things you should know about bill C-92

Bill C-92: Six Key Points

The video outlines six key points about Bill C-92, which had received Royal Assent and become law.

1. Why change was needed: Indigenous children are disproportionately represented in care, and the video describes poor outcomes associated with the existing system. It says the bill aims to keep children and youth connected to their families and communities while giving First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments a greater role.

2. Best interests of the child: For the first time, the bill sets out factors for determining an Indigenous child’s best interests. These include physical, emotional, and psychological safety and well-being; cultural and spiritual upbringing; emotional ties; the child’s views and preferences; and their needs and development.

3. Keeping families and communities together: The video describes a placement preference: first with a parent, then with family, then within the child’s own nation or community, and, if that is not suitable, with another Indigenous community member. Siblings should also stay together when it is in their best interests.

4. Jurisdiction over child welfare: The bill affirms Indigenous governments’ authority to develop their own child-welfare laws and services. Exercising that authority involves giving notice and negotiating with federal and provincial governments. The video says that if reasonable efforts are made to reach an agreement, the Indigenous law could have force as federal law after 12 months.

5. Uncertainty about funding: The bill provides a path for developing Indigenous child-welfare systems but, according to the video, does not specify where the resources to implement them will come from. The video raises concern that tying funding to agreements could leave some communities with better arrangements than others.

6. Carrier Sekani Family Services’ role: Carrier Sekani Family Services says it has researched its own practices and developed family-law and prevention models. It would consult its communities on how to proceed, with an expectation that a draft law could be ready within three years.

Presenters and Contributors

The presenter is not identified in the subtitles. Contributors mentioned are Warner Adam, Mary Teegee (captioned as “Mary TG”), and Cindy Blackstock.