Loss of Jordan's Principle Programs in First Nations Across Canada
Funding for Jordan's Principle services has decreased from $1.72 billion in 2023-24 to $1.64 billion in 2024-25.
First Nations across Canada are reporting the loss of funding for children's programs due to changes in Jordan's Principle rules by the federal government last February.
Onigaming First Nation in northern Ontario, under a state of emergency since 2024, has been severely impacted. According to Chief Jeff Copenace, the community has experienced
46 deaths in the past four years, roughly about 5 per cent of our population overall, including deaths by suicide.
Onigaming had implemented various programs to address mental health issues, including crisis response teams and an after-hours safety team to ensure the safety of residents, especially children and youth.
Author's summary: First Nations face loss of Jordan's Principle programs.