Question Period Note: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families

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• This Act is a major investment in Indigenous-led child and family services. It affirms the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to care for their children in ways rooted in their own laws, cultures, and traditions.
• Canada has committed over $2.36 billion to support Indigenous-led service models with 15 coordination agreements in place across the country.
• Many more tables are progressing rapidly and we look forward to completing more agreements this year.
• Supported by their own cultures and by their own laws, there will be stronger outcomes for Indigenous children and families.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)’s First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program provides funding to support the safety and well-being of First Nation children on-reserve. Funding is provided to FNCFS agencies, provinces and the Yukon Territory to support the delivery of prevention and protection services on-reserve. ISC does not deliver the services. These services are provided in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province or territory of residence and in a manner that is reasonably comparable to those available to other provincial residents in similar circumstances, within ISC’s Program authorities. Funding under the FNCFS Program is provided according to a prevention-based funding model.

The Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (the Act) was co-developed with Indigenous partners and received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. The Act came into force on January 1, 2020.

Every service provider delivering child and family services in relation to Indigenous children must follow the minimum standards of the Act.

Section 25 of the Act requires that certain information provided under section 20 be posted online or made accessible to the public. On its website, ISC now displays the notices provided under section 20 of the Act as well as information provided to ISC concerning Indigenous child and family services laws developed under the framework made pursuant to the Act. As of May 2, 2025, 45 communities have provided subsection 20(2) requests.

If pressed on Coordination Agreements
• We are working nation-to-nation, in the spirit of respect and partnership, to advance coordination agreements that transfer jurisdiction back to Indigenous communities—where it belongs.
• While the Act envisions progress within one year, we know that meaningful change takes time. We walk it at the pace of our partners, ensuring that readiness, capacity, and community priorities guide the process.
• To date, 15 agreements have been signed, 8 signed in the last year. Each one represents not only a legal instrument, but a relationship—built on trust, shared goals, and a commitment to putting children first.
• We know that tripartite agreements are the foundation of long-term success. That’s why we continue to actively engage provinces and territories, who are key partners—not only in terms of funding, but in bringing decades of experience in delivering child and family services.
• We’re committed to doing this together. The Act’s promise can only be fulfilled through shared leadership and joint responsibility across all orders of government.

If pressed on Coordination Agreements with the Manitoba Métis Federation
• Canada is deeply committed to advancing reconciliation with Métis communities. Our work with the Manitoba Métis Federation is a key part of that journey.
• We continue to engage with MMF in good faith, guided by a shared vision for strong, vibrant Métis families and communities.

If pressed on Coordination Agreements with the Founding First Nations
• We are dedicated to maintaining strong relationships with the Founding First Nations to address their evolving needs and ensure progress is made in relation to child and family services.
• We look forward to continuing talks with the province of Alberta to ensure that the Founding First Nations receive the support they require to thrive and build stronger communities.

If pressed on the Five Year Review
• The upcoming five-year review is an important moment to reflect, learn, and renew our commitment to this transformative legislation. As required by the Act, this review will be conducted in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples.
• It’s an opportunity to listen, address outstanding concerns, and ensure that the Act remains responsive to the evolving realities and aspirations of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, families and their children.
• It’s about building a future where every Indigenous child grows up connected to their family and their community. When families thrive, the community thrives too.

If pressed on provinces and territories
• To support Indigenous peoples in moving forward with their visions for the future, the federal government and every province and territory has a role to play. Provinces and territories are essential partners, bringing both jurisdictional responsibility and valuable lessons to negotiations.
• Canada is committed to this responsibility, and we know that many provinces and territories are joining us in this journey. We believe that it is vital that this commitment be universal across all provinces and territories.