Minister responds to request to apprehend Innu children

Health and Community Services Minister Roger Grimes said today that government is taking very seriously a request from the Sheshatshiu Band Council asking that children in that community who are deemed at risk be taken into care and safe placements be arranged for them.

"Any issue of child welfare is of paramount importance and will be given priority as is required under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act," said the minister. "We have arranged a meeting today at 1:30 p.m. between the Band Council, Health Labrador Corporation and officials with the Department of Health and Community Services to conduct an assessment of the situation and determine next steps.

"Government and its agencies are working with Aboriginal communities and families to seek long-term solutions to the problems of addiction and substance abuse," said Minister Grimes, "and we will continue this effort, as well as take such immediate steps as may be necessary to protect children."

The minister commended the Band for its positive action in requesting this assistance. "We will deploy all resources at our disposal to assist and work with the community in responding to this issue. Already, a team of social workers from the Labrador region has been put together to begin the assessment process."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377.

2000 11 16 1:15 p.m.