Currently, a pivotal hearing is underway in Vancouver. It concerns the certification of a proposed class action against Canada and the Province of BC for their alleged systematic discrimination against Indigenous children and their families in British Columbia. The hearing, set for Oct 7-11, 2024, is expected to deliver a decision within the next three months.

The action alleges that discrimination in the child welfare system has caused immeasurable harm for decades to First Nation children who reside off-reserve in British Columbia and for Métis and Inuit children in British Columbia. The plaintiffs allege that the governments’ systemic discrimination has contributed to the gross over representation of Indigenous children in British Columbia’s child welfare system. Further, the case contends that the separation of Indigenous children from their families and communities has caused widespread harm.

In addition, the claim covers losses suffered by parents and grandparents who were caregivers of apprehended Indigenous children and were deprived of their ability to pass their culture and identity on to their children; and suffered psychological injury, including depression, anxiety, emotional dysfunction, suicidal ideation, and loss of self-worth.

This case is part of a group of parallel actions being brought across Canada by a legal team that includes MB’s Angela Bespflug and Janelle O’Connor.

Media Coverage

• Certification hearing for lawsuit involving off reserve Indigenous children in care begins in B.C. – APTN News, October 7, 2024.
• B.C.’s Indigenous child welfare system ‘underfunded, broken beyond measure’ – Vancouver Sun, October 8, 2024
• Millennium Scoop Class Action Hearing Set to Begin on October 7, 2024 in Vancouver, BC – Newswire Press Release, October 7, 2024

Information about this proposed class action

For more information about this case, contact Janelle O’Connor at [email protected].