Jordan’s Principle funding for First Nations children being extended through 2026: Indigenous Services
The Canadian government has announced its commitment to continue funding Jordan’s Principle, which supports First Nations children, through 2026. This decision comes amidst concerns raised by some First Nations chiefs regarding cutbacks in services.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu made the announcement in a press release on Saturday, just before the start of a federal election campaign. Jordan’s Principle ensures that First Nations children have access to government-funded health, social, or educational services regardless of their location, without getting caught up in jurisdictional disputes.
Since its establishment in 2016, the government has allocated $8.8 billion towards Jordan’s Principle. Minister Hajdu stated that over 8.9 million products, services, and supports have been approved under this initiative.
Jordan’s Principle originated from a human rights complaint filed by the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Family and Caring Society in 2007. It is named after Jordan River Anderson, a five-year-old boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba who passed away in 2005 after a prolonged battle between the province and the federal government over funding for his care.
Despite the government’s commitment to funding Jordan’s Principle, there have been ongoing concerns about a backlog of requests. First Nations leaders have criticized the government for not providing communities with essential funding and resources through this program. Cindy Blackstock, the head of the First Nations Family and Caring Society, has been vocal about the government’s failure to address the backlog and create an independent complaints mechanism.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs recently accused the government of denying requests and reducing funds, calling the system broken. The federal government confirmed that there are 140,000 backlogged requests across Canada, but implementing swift action on them has proven to be challenging.
In response to these challenges, the government announced restrictions on funding approvals for certain non-urgent matters under Jordan’s Principle, such as home renovations, sporting events, international travel, and non-medical supports. Minister Hajdu has requested Indigenous Services Canada to review contribution agreements with First Nations recipients to ensure that expenses incurred under Jordan’s Principle will be considered for funding in the future.
The commitment to funding Jordan’s Principle through 2026 is a step towards addressing the needs of First Nations children. However, ongoing efforts are needed to streamline the process, address the backlog of requests, and ensure that essential services are provided to those who need them.
