Bill C-92: Recognizing Indigenous Authority Over Child And Family Services

On June 21, 2019, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families (Bill C-92 or the Act). The Actofficially came into force on January 1, 2020. Bill C-92 is an historic piece of legislation which represents a critical step in recognizing Indigenous jurisdiction over the provision of child and family services.

Below we provide an overview of Bill C-92, summarize the processes required to establish a child and family welfare services law under the Act, and discuss practical implications Indigenous governing bodies may wish to consider.

Bill C-92: Background and objectives

Bill C-92 demonstrates how the federal government is attempting to implement Canada's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.