Youth protection: Strengthening collaboration to support the rights of First Nations and Inuit children
Press Release
Québec, June 4, 2026 – Québec Ombudsperson Marc‑André Dowd published today the second follow-up report on the calls for action of the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec: listening, reconciliation and progress (CERP). The theme of youth protection was selected through co-construction with the Advisory Circle, made up of representatives of First Nations and Inuit organizations.
The Protecteur du citoyen’s analysis focuses on the services offered at every stage of the youth protection process. It is based on the fundamental principle of the right to self-determination of the First Nations and Inuit, who are best positioned to identify the needs of their children and the most appropriate ways to meet those needs.
Important progress since the CERP
The report highlights significant progress made since the publication of the CERP report in 2019, including major legislative changes at the provincial and federal levels that better reflect the realities and rights of Indigenous children. These advancements also attest to the commitment of First Nations and Inuit to have their rights recognized and to a growing desire for collaboration on the part of stakeholders in the health and social services network.
“Promising initiatives are emerging from First Nations and Inuit communities and Native Friendship Centres, underscoring the importance of recognizing and supporting their expertise. Closer collaboration, built on an equal‑footing relationship, would allow these initiatives to expand and reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations and Inuit children in youth protection,” declared Marc‑André Dowd.
Persistent issues that directly affect children
Despite this progress, the report highlights the persistence of serious issues, some of which are similar to those identified by the CERP. The Protecteur du citoyen is concerned about situations that undermine the fundamental rights of First Nations and Inuit children and that are incompatible with the current legislative framework:
- Youth placed in rehabilitation centres are deprived of access to education for long periods of time due to language barriers;
- Children are placed far away from their families and communities, with no contact for months;
- Children are not receiving the services to which they are entitled due to challenges in coordinating responsibilities across levels of government.
These realities demonstrate that the recent legislative changes require profound transformations in the way the health and social services network operates.
A demanding transition for all stakeholders
One key finding from the report is that the quality of the relationships among the stakeholders involved is crucial. When trusting relationships are established between the network and the communities, services are more aligned with the best interests of the children. However, these relationships still rely heavily on the commitment of key individuals rather than on sustainable mechanisms. Yet compliance with laws, guidelines and policies cannot rest solely in individual efforts.
This is why the Protecteur du citoyen has issued six recommendations to the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, Santé Québec and the National Director of Youth Protection. Its recommendations aim to improve consistency in practices, provide practical support for community-led approaches and ensure respect for the rights of First Nations and Inuit children.
To be consulted:
Report at a glance: Overview | Findings
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Information:
Carole-Anne Huot, person in charge of media relations
Phone: (418) 646-7143/Cell: (418) 925-7994
Email: medias@protecteurducitoyen.qc.ca
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