Canada approves historic C$23bn child welfare settlement
Canada approves historic C$23bn child welfare settlement BBC
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Canada’s Human Rights Tribunal Approves Landmark Settlement for Indigenous Children and Families
By Nadine Yousif
BBC News
Introduction
Canada’s Human Rights Tribunal has approved a landmark C$23.4bn ($17.7bn; £13.8bn) settlement for indigenous children and families harmed by the child welfare system. This settlement is said to be the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history.
Background
The settlement comes after the tribunal ruled in 2016 that Canada had underfunded on-reserve First Nations children’s services compared to those for non-indigenous children. This resulted in indigenous children being removed from their families unnecessarily and denied basic services.
Settlement Details
Around 300,000 people, including babies and children currently in care, are expected to be compensated. The funds will go to indigenous people impacted by the child welfare system from 1991 to 2022. Eligible individuals could begin receiving compensation as early as summer 2024, pending approval from a federal court.
Apology Request
The settlement also includes a request for an apology from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Significance of the Settlement
This settlement is an important step towards addressing the discrimination faced by indigenous children and families in Canada’s child welfare system. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by promoting equal access to services and ensuring justice for marginalized communities.
Conclusion
The approval of this landmark settlement marks a significant milestone in Canada’s efforts to address the injustices faced by indigenous children and families. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to upholding human rights and achieving the SDGs.
Related Topics
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the settlement for indigenous children and families harmed by the child welfare system in Canada. This issue is connected to SDG 1 as it aims to address poverty and inequality by compensating those who were impacted by the system. It is also connected to SDG 4 as it highlights the need for quality education and services for indigenous children. Additionally, it relates to SDG 10 as it seeks to reduce inequalities by providing compensation and support to indigenous communities. Lastly, it is connected to SDG 16 as it addresses the need for peace, justice, and strong institutions by rectifying the discriminatory practices of the child welfare system.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
- Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are related to providing social protection systems and measures for indigenous children and families (Target 1.3), eliminating disparities in education and ensuring equal access for indigenous peoples (Target 4.5), promoting social and economic inclusion for all, irrespective of their status (Target 10.2), and promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice (Target 16.3).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and vulnerable.
- Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile, and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples, etc.) for all education indicators on access, participation, and achievement in formal and non-formal education.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 16.3.3: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards those targets. These indicators include measuring the proportion of the population covered by social protection systems, parity indices in education, the proportion of people living below a certain income threshold, and the proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to authorities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. | Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and vulnerable. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations. | Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile, and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples, etc.) for all education indicators on access, participation, and achievement in formal and non-formal education. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Indicator 16.3.3: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms. |
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Source: bbc.com
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