P.E.I. Mi'kmaq Confederacy demands action on child welfare services

Island chiefs are demanding action following the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling which determinedCanada discriminatesagainst First Nation children on reserves by failing to provide the same level of child welfare services that exist elsewhere.

• Canada discriminates against children on reserves, tribunal rules

Chief Brian Francis of Abegweit First Nation says this ruling demonstrates the federal government has continued to fail First Nation children and communities.

There isunder-fundingand inequality for First Nations child and family programs.- Marilyn LeFrank, Mi'kmaqConfederacy of P.E.I.

He says the time has come for government to end inequalities and provide equal access toeducation, health care services, clean drinking water and housing.

Marilyn LeFrank,director of child and family services for the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI, says sheand othersare excited by this ruling.

"There isunder-fundingand inequality for First Nations child and family programs. You know, it's the same across the country," she said.

LeFrank says it'stoo earlyto know how the ruling is going to impact the front line.

"We'll have to wait and see. There are certainly some things that are still up in the air as far as the ruling is concerned," she said.

LeFranksays sheexpects more details will come to light over the next few weeks.