The MPP for Kiiwetinoong is seeking stronger protection for First Nation youth in group homes.
Sol Mamamka’s comments are a response to a Global News report that indicates Indigenous children and youth are targeted by for-profit homes because they can charge more for their care.
The NDP’s Deputy House Leader says children from northern Ontario are being sent thousands of kilometres away from home to a place where they are viewed as a paycheck and are vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
He says the youth are not dollar signs.
“Our children must be treated as human beings when they are in care. This is very clear that this government has failed them. Group homes cannot continue to break child welfare laws without any consequences,” says Mamakwa.
The government says it has taken action to improve the safety of youth in the care of group homes.
Children, Community and Social Services Minister Michael Parsa says it has included the hiring of more inspectors that do unannounced inspections.
“Our government will do whatever it takes to protect every single child and youth in our province,” says Parsa.
“There is no room in our system for providers who refuse to provide high-quality care. Full stop. Our government didn’t need another report to tell us. We took action.”
Parsa says they are also proposing an increase in fines as a message to providers that they have a moral and legal obligation to look at children and youth in their care.
According to the NDP, there are 300 group homes in the province, 135 of which are run by for-profit companies.
