Historic agreement removes eligibility exclusions for disability services for First Nation youth
A historic agreement was signed on Monday, removing eligibility exclusions for Children’s disABILITY Services and home care for First Nations children living on reserve.
The agreement was signed by Harriet Sumner-Pruden, the Manitoba government, and the Manitoba Human Rights Commission following Sumner-Pruden’s 14-year battle since filing a human rights complaint on behalf of her son Dewey.
“It’s been a long 14 years with this agreement today,” she said in an interview on Monday.
“I’d say it’s a real historical moment for our First Nation children with disabilities.”
In 2020, CTV News Winnipeg reported that Sumner-Pruden filed a human rights complaint, alleging the province discriminated against Dewey, who is from Pinaymootang First Nation, based on his ancestry and disability. The complaint said the discrimination included delays, denials, and disruptions to services.
The Manitoba Human Rights Adjudication Panel determined that the province discriminated against Dewey, saying the discrimination was the effect of policies, practices and laws that try to determine the jurisdictions of federal and provincial government in terms of health for First Nations people.
Sumner-Pruden noted that Dewey is now 22 years old, but Monday’s agreement will help other children access disability services on First Nations.
“We really did it for our children,” she said. “With the many barriers our children face, this is a really good thing for our children.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation