Mr. Speaker, this government knows that our children are our future. That is why our government is taking concrete steps to ensure that first nation children have the same opportunities as all Canadians.
All children are protected by provincial and territorial child welfare legislation. Provincial and territorial governments can delegate authority for child and family services to first nation service providers on reserve and are responsible for ensuring that they comply with provincial and territorial legislation and standards.
Over the last 20 years, provincial welfare authorities have delegated program delivery on reserve to a growing number of first nation child and family service agencies. Currently, there are 105 first nations with this authority. In areas where first nation child and family service agencies do not exist, the government funds services by provincial and territorial organizations or departments. Our government provides funding to support the implementation of these programs on reserve.
Since 2006, we have increased funding for child and family services by 25%. However, our government knows that money is not the solution. While progress has been made, it will take the continued and coordinated efforts of governments at all levels as well as first nations to make long-term progress. That is why we have launched prevention models working with provincial and first nation partners on a province-by-province basis. This new approach enhances the ability of child and family service providers to offer culturally appropriate services, such as kinship care, and to ensure that best practices and prevention are brought to reserves.
The new approach was welcomed immediately by service providers in making programming choices for first nation children, youth and families on reserve. We will continue to work with our partners in the first nation community to ensure proved outcomes.
I would remind the member that first nations want to have opportunities to improve their own lives. That is why we are creating a stronger economy with greater economic opportunity for all the people of our land to pursue their dreams, take responsibility for their lives and own their destinies. That includes improving accountability and transparency in the way that dollars are spent so that they achieve the maximum result. We will continue to implement policies that are favourable to that objective. We encourage the hon. member across to join us in that enterprise.