Help for Indigenous Mothers and Children in Canada

May 13, 2026, 18:08
CanadaPolitics

Introduction

Courts in British Columbia and Manitoba are helping Indigenous mothers and children. The government did not treat them well in the past.

Main Body

In British Columbia, the government used 'birth alerts.' This meant hospitals told the government when Indigenous women had babies. This was wrong and unfair. Now, the government wants to pay $66 million to help these women. In Manitoba, a judge said the government broke the law. The government took children away from their families. Indigenous people have the right to raise their children in their own way. Now, people are asking for $2.1 billion in money. Other provinces in Canada are different. Some governments do not want to pay money. They are still fighting in court.

Conclusion

British Columbia is paying money. Manitoba is giving more power to Indigenous people to care for their children.

Learning

πŸ’‘ How to talk about the PAST vs. NOW

In the text, we see a clear change from things that happened before to things happening now. To reach A2, you need to switch between these two easily.

1. The Past (Finished actions) Look at these words from the story:

  • Did not treat β†’\rightarrow (Negative past)
  • Used β†’\rightarrow (Regular past)
  • Told β†’\rightarrow (Irregular past)
  • Broke β†’\rightarrow (Irregular past)

2. The Now (Current goals/actions) Notice how the words change when the story moves to today:

  • Wants to pay β†’\rightarrow (Current desire)
  • Are asking β†’\rightarrow (Happening right now)
  • Are different β†’\rightarrow (Current state)

Quick Rule: If you see -ed (like used), the action is over. If you see is/are (like are fighting), it is still happening.

Vocabulary Focus: Money words

  • Pay β†’\rightarrow To give money for a service or a mistake.
  • Million/Billion β†’\rightarrow Very large numbers used for government costs.

Vocabulary Learning

help (v.)
to give support or assistance to someone.
Example:I will help you with your homework.
pay (v.)
to give money in exchange for something.
Example:She will pay the bill at the restaurant.
money (n.)
a medium of exchange used for buying goods and services.
Example:He saved his money in a bank account.
law (n.)
a rule made by a government that people must follow.
Example:The law says you must wear a seatbelt.
judge (n.)
a person who decides a case in a court.
Example:The judge listened to both sides.
right (n.)
a permission or a claim to do something.
Example:You have the right to ask questions.
own (adj.)
belonging to you.
Example:This is my own book.
way (n.)
a method or manner of doing something.
Example:She found a new way to solve the problem.
ask (v.)
to request information or a favor.
Example:Please ask me if you need help.
different (adj.)
not the same as another.
Example:We have different opinions.
provinces (n.)
a region or state within a country.
Example:Canada has ten provinces.
governments (n.)
the group of people who run a country.
Example:The governments announced new policies.
fight (v.)
to argue or struggle against someone.
Example:They fought for their rights.
court (n.)
a place where legal cases are decided.
Example:The case will be heard in court.
give (v.)
to provide something to someone.
Example:She will give you a book.
power (n.)
the ability to do something.
Example:He has the power to decide.
care (v.)
to look after someone or something.
Example:She will care for the baby.