Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect in Northern Canada

Abstract

Canada has a wide expanse of geographic terrain that encompasses urban, sub-urban, rural, and remote areas. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the unique challenges of mandatory reporters living and working in northern parts of provincial and territorial Canada. The chapter opens with a discussion of how the north has been defined historically and by Indigenous and settler perspectives. The chapter proceeds to examine the economic and social context of northern Canada before moving into a review of the challenges facing mandatory reporters. The chapter offers suggestions to mandatory reporters to balance their statutory responsibilities with the contextual reality of living in the community.