I am a Witness: Tribunal Timeline & Documents

The timeline below chronicles the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case on inequitable funding for First Nations child welfare, which the Tribunal ruled amounts to discrimination.  

View the pre-Tribunal timeline for a history of First Nations child and family services funding leading up the case. 

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2009

November 2, 2009

Conservative government appoints a new Tribunal Chair, Shirish Chotalia.

April 20, 2009

The Hon. Brad Duguid expresses the government of Ontario's support for Jordan's Principle at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2009, as well as the province's commitment to ensure its implementation. 

October 20, 2009

At the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session, Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, INAC explains narrowing of Jordan's Principle and Enhanced Funding Model at Aboriginal Affairs Committee

September 14, 2009

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal opens. Tribunal Chair Sinclair grants interested party status to Amnesty International Canada and to the Chiefs of Ontario.

Opening Statement at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on First Nations child welfare made by Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.

September 2009

Caring Society Statement of Particulars

August 29, 2009

Canada's response to COO's notice of motion seeking Interested Party status.

August 24, 2009

Chiefs of Ontario submit reply submissions regarding their notice of motion seeking Interested Party status.

August 7, 2009

Chiefs of Ontario file a notice of motion seeking Interested Party status.

2008

October 2008

Canadian government appeals decision by the CHRC to refer the matter to the tribunal on the basis that it funds child welfare and others provide the service. Only services are protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act and thus, the government believes, they should be exempt from this discrimination claim.

September 30, 2008

Canadian Human Rights Commission refers the complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. CHRC believes the case is so important to the public interest that it will argue the case in favour of First Nations children’s equity at the Tribunal.