Caring Society calls on Canada to release all funds in the Ontario Final Settlement Agreement and put children’s interests before self-interest

Press Release

December 10, 2025

This case concerns permanently ending Canada’s discrimination towards First Nations children, youth, and families. In these proceedings, Canada has inserted a clause into the Ontario Final Settlement Agreement (OFA), requiring the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to release Canada from its accountability under the Tribunal’s orders and trust that Canada will act in the best interests of First Nations children going forward. This is contrary to reconciliation and is emblematic of Canada putting government self-interest before children’s best interests.

Fortunately, this clause can be changed if Canada agrees. The Caring Society joins with the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation in calling on Canada to release any funds provided for in the OFA immediately – there is no need to wait if Canada chooses to do the right thing. Canada’s long history of violating the rights of First Nations children and families, including with the residential school system, shows that prioritizing government self-interest over children’s wellbeing and welfare results in higher costs and loss of life. We also call on Canada to accept its ongoing responsibilities under the Tribunal orders and permanently end its discriminatory conduct toward First Nations children for generations to come.

The Caring Society is not a party to the OFA and therefore cannot change it, nor are we the decision-maker in this case. Nevertheless, we have important questions regarding Canada’s commitment to ending its discrimination, especially in light of its widespread breaches of legal orders requiring it to cease discriminating against children in Jordan’s Principle and child and family services. Together with Taykwa Tagamou Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, we will seek answers this week as witnesses are cross-examined in preparation for a hearing scheduled for February 2026.

After 158 years of discrimination resulting in deaths and the loss of childhoods, as well as over 30 legal orders and 19 years of litigation to compel Canada to permanently stop its discrimination, the Caring Society calls on Canada to implement evidence-based solutions to remedy its discrimination and immediately take steps to prevent its recurrence.

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