Cook-Searson defends Liberals decision to appeal CHRT child welfare ruling

Liberal candidate Tammy Cook-Searson is defending the federal government’s decision to file an appeal regarding a recent Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) ruling.

The application for judicial review filed Friday asks that the tribunal’s decision be set aside and the claim for financial compensation to be dismissed. On Sept. 6, the CHRT ruled the federal government should compensate apprehended First Nations children harmed by the on-reserve child welfare system. It called for the federal government to pay $40,000 to each child taken from on-reserve communities from Jan. 1, 2006, to a date to be determined by the tribunal.

“If re-elected, we will continue the conversation on compensation in a fair and equitable way that focuses on bringing healing and recognition of harms suffered on First Nations’ children,” Cook-Searson said. “I will make sure compensation is on the table if elected as your member of Parliament.”

In defending the government’s decision, Cook-Searson stated it is not possible to sit down and negotiate with partners at this time because of the election. She noted, however, the Liberals will be able to do so if Canadians choose them to form government after the Oct. 21 election.