Changes to Jordan’s Principle unfair for N.W.T. children, some say

A dedicated woman working at a safe home in Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., is speaking out against recent changes to the Jordan’s Principle program, stating that they will have a detrimental impact on many children in her community. The federal government recently announced significant changes to the program in an effort to address a 367 per cent increase in demand since 2021 and ensure that funding requests align with the program’s original intent.

Under the new guidelines, certain requests such as home renovations, sporting events, international travel, non-medical supports, or school-related expenses will no longer be funded unless they are necessary to ensure equality with non-First Nations children. This shift comes after the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal expressed concerns about potential misuse of funds allocated through Jordan’s Principle.

Brenda T’Seleie-Pierrot, who works at a safe home providing support to women and children fleeing family violence in the Sahtu region, expressed her disappointment with the changes. She emphasized the importance of Jordan’s Principle in meeting the educational needs of children in her community and called for greater consultation with families before implementing restrictions.

Jordan’s Principle was established to address gaps in government services for First Nations children, named after Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Manitoba whose care was delayed due to jurisdictional disputes. Families are supposed to apply for and receive funding as needed, with government bodies later resolving disputes over responsibility for the expenses.

In response to the changes, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu emphasized that the program should be used only when necessary and for its intended purpose. However, critics argue that the new restrictions will disproportionately impact vulnerable children in Indigenous communities, particularly in regions like the Northwest Territories where unique challenges exist.

George Mackenzie, the Dene National chief and regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations, expressed deep concerns about the impact of the changes on First Nations children. He highlighted the challenges faced by families navigating systemic barriers and stressed the importance of maintaining essential services for children’s well-being and development.

Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, criticized the new guidelines as regressive and discriminatory. She raised concerns about the increased burden on families to prove the necessity of specific services and the requirement to exhaust all other options before seeking support through Jordan’s Principle. Blackstock warned that these changes could exacerbate the existing backlog of funding requests and hinder the program’s ability to respond to urgent needs effectively.

Overall, the recent changes to Jordan’s Principle have sparked debate and raised concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable children in Indigenous communities. As stakeholders continue to assess the implications of these modifications, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and support of First Nations children across Canada.