On January 4th, 2022, the Government of Canada has signed Agreements-in-Principle with the Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, the Chiefs of Ontario, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and counsel for the Moushoom and Trout class actions.

This resolution related to compensation for those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations child welfare services and to achieve long-term reform of both the First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan's Principle.

Throughout this process, we have remained focused on compensating those harmed by the federal government's discriminatory First Nations Child and Family Services funding practices and reforming the system to help keep First Nation children with their families and communities.

I want to acknowledge the generations of First Nations who have advocated for the welfare of their children, including Residential School Survivors, Sixties Scoop Survivors, and children, young people, and families who continue to be affected by this case. The unmarked graves of children who attended Residential Schools, climate change emergencies, and the pandemic have worn deeply on many First Nations families and communities. No amount of money can reconnect First Nations children and youth with their cultures nor reverse the suffering experienced by First Nations children, youth, their families, and communities.

We are aware that reaching this milestone has been a long time coming, and we know that our work is not done. We will continue working with these groups so that future generations of First Nations children will never face the same injustices. I want to thank all Parties and the Honourable Murray Sinclair and his team for their work and shared commitment to this process.