Question Period Note: Jordan's Principle

We are committed to the full implementation of Jordan's Principle, and to ensuring that First Nations children receive the help they need.
Since 2016, more than 483,000 requests for products, services, and supports have been approved. We are investing $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan’s Principle.
We are also investing $220 million over five years to address the immediate needs of Inuit children and to continue working with Inuit partners to improve local capacity to deliver services.

Jordan’s Principle is a legal requirement, not a policy or program, resulting from the January 2016 CHRT decision which ordered Canada to cease applying a narrow definition of Jordan’s Principle and to take immediate measures to implement the full meaning of the principle. Since the initial 2016 CHRT decision, the CHRT has issued several subsequent remedial orders regarding how Jordan’s Principle should be defined and implemented.
Since 2016 the Government of Canada has committed more than $600 million over three years to meet the needs of First Nation children through an interim approach to Jordan’s Principle. Budget 2019 invested a further $1.2 billion over three years to support the continued implementation of Jordan’s Principle. In addition, Budget 2019 invested $220 million over 5 years to address the immediate needs of Inuit children as this Government continues to work with Inuit and other government partners to improve local capacity to deliver services.
In implementing Jordan’s Principle, Service Coordinators were made available in communities across Canada who are funded by the Government of Canada and staffed by local Tribal Councils, Regional Health Authorities, Indigenous Non-Governmental Organizations, etc. These coordinators are the primary local contact for First Nations children and families. They work closely with the regional Jordan’s Principle Focal Point contacts. In February of 2018, a 24/7 Jordan’s Principle National Call Centre was launched to help First Nations children access the products, services and supports they need.
The Spirit Bear Plan was developed by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and is recognized and supported by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. In December 2017, the Chiefs-in-Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations provided their support for the Spirit Bear Plan, which is designed to address all inequities in federally funded public services.

If pressed

Our Government continues to work with First Nations to ensure that Jordan’s Principle is upheld.
We are also working with First Nations, provinces and territories to better understand what service gaps exist and how to best address them.
Our ultimate goal is to develop a long-term approach that will increase First Nations self-determination in addressing the needs and providing access to health, social, and education services for all First Nations children.

Inuit-Child First Initiative

We have co-developed public awareness materials for the Inuit Child First Initiative with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
These materials will help to raise awareness of the services available under the Inuit Child First Initiative.
We will continue working with Inuit partners, provinces and territories to develop and finalize a framework for a long-term Inuit-specific approach to help better meet the needs of Inuit children.

Consultation Committee on Child Welfare

The Consultation Committee on Child Welfare was established in 2018 as a result of the February 1, 2018, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Ruling on Child Welfare.
This committee is chaired by the Assembly of First Nations, and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, and provides a forum for parties to work together to eliminate discrimination against First Nations children.
Accomplishments of this committee include the development of a consultation protocol and of program guidelines and policies, research, and training.

Spirit Bear Plan

Closing the gaps in health and social services for First Nations children and families is one of this Government’s top priorities.
We are committed to fully implementing the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in this regard.
We will continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to advance reforms to child and family services, and to develop Indigenous led solutions that place the well being of children first.