APTN News – The Quebec Government is challenging Bill C-92 by asking the Court of Appeal to assess the constitutionality of Bill C-92. “The government of Quebec intends to defend its powers and its autonomy under the constitutional framework and wishes to maintain the full application of Quebec laws – including the Youth Protection Act – on its territory,” Quebec Justice Minister Sonia LeBel said in a statement. Quebec believes that C-92 appropriates the “exclusive” jurisdiction of the provinces in matters of social services.

Despite protests by the AFN, the Assembly of First Nations in Quebec and Labrador and First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission, the government is refusing to back down from their position that only the Government of Quebec has jurisdiction over child welfare in their “territory” including First Nations. (CBC)