Question Period Note: Jordan’s Principle

• We are committed to the full implementation of Jordan's Principle and to ensuring First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them, regardless of where they live in Canada.

• From July 1, 2016 to August 31, 2021, the Government of Canada approved an estimated 1,155,231 products and services for First Nations children.

• Since 2016, the Government has committed $2.47 billion towards Jordan's Principle to help with health, social and education services that are needed; this includes $220 million over five years to address the immediate needs of Inuit children.

If pressed on Jordan’s Principle
• The Government of Canada is working with First Nations partners, Parties to the CHRT, provinces and territories to ensure that Jordan’s Principle is fully implemented.

• While supports continue to be made available through Jordan’s Principle, we will also continue working with partners to develop longer term approaches to help better address the unmet health, social, and education needs of First Nations children.

If Pressed on August 26 CHRT Capital Funding Order
• On August 26, 2021, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal issued orders relating to capital funding, needs assessments and feasibility studies for First
Nations and First Nations Child and Family Services.

• While the Tribunal has yet to issue its final reasons, Canada has filed a protective Judicial Review, seeking clarity on the orders.

• We hope that consultation can result in shared understanding of these orders and allow us to move forward together with the parties on all aspects of the orders.

• In the interim, Canada will begin working with the Consultation Committee on Child Welfare, Chiefs of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation to determine how funding for capital needs assessments and feasibility funding should flow to First Nations and First Nations Child and Family Services.

• Our desire is to respect and develop First Nations-led capital planning processes that result in quality capital assets, and most importantly, address the needs of First Nations children.

If pressed on September 29, 2021 Federal Court decision (2021 FC 969)
• Given the complex issues at play, including recognition and membership, Canada is considering next steps, including possible appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

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.

• From April 2019 to August 2021 more than 53,000 requested products, services, and supports have been approved.

• 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 (CCCW)
• The Consultation Committee on Child Welfare (CCCW) 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 operational guidelines and policies, research, and training.

• The CCCW last met in June 2021 and the next meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2021.

Spirit Bear Plan
• The Spirit Bear Plan was created by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and received Assembly of First Nations support in 2017.

• Closing the gaps in health, social services and education for First Nations children and families are top priorities of the Government.

• We are committed to fully implementing the orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in this regard.

• We will continue to work with First Nations partners to advance reforms to child and family services, and to develop First Nations led solutions that place the well being of children first.

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