Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to speak about the Child and Family Services of the NWT as it relates to child apprehensions and foster care. Mr. Speaker, statistics today indicate that across Canada there are more Indigenous children in foster care than there were in residential school at the height of residential school admissions.
Mr. Speaker, half of the NWT's population is Aboriginal; however, over 90 per cent of the children in care are Indigenous. It is my belief that families where children were apprehended are families who are usually living in poverty. Mr. Speaker, I also believe that families who are living in poverty are the same families that are over-represented in our health care system, our justice system, as well as those that need income support to provide for their families. We all love our children, and, if we could provide for them, we would, and, for the most part, we do. Unfortunately, some people are unable to do so and require income support. I believe that low income is the main catalyst for child apprehension, which leads to a host of other social issues for people.
Mr. Speaker, in 2001, there was a joint study done between Corrections Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, the Department of Justice of Canada, the Department of Indigenous and Aboriginal Affairs, the Native Counselling Service of Alberta, and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation which examined the effects of family disruption on Indigenous and non-Indigenous inmates:
The study found that a large proportion of Aboriginal inmates were involved in the child welfare system when they were children. Approximately two-thirds of Aboriginal inmates said they have been adopted or placed in foster or group homes. Mr. Speaker, I am convinced that the men and women that have served time in corrections facilities or prisons down south are having difficulties obtaining employment. This is a vicious, interconnected circle, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the Department of Health and Social Services does provide financial support to foster home providers. I strongly suggest that the same support be given to families in order to mitigate the likelihood of child apprehensions and to assist parents in maintaining family units. This being said, I also recognize the value of what foster homes provide and the outstanding -
Member for Tu Nedhe Wiilideh, your time for Members' statements expired.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
That being said, I also recognize the value of what foster homes provide and the outstanding service that dedicated foster parents provide as well. It is not to say that we do not need foster homes as they can provide a positive aspect in child development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
