Question Period Note: The Inuit Child First Initiative

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• The Inuit Child First Initiative ensures Inuit children have equal access to essential government funded health, social and educational products, services and supports.
• The Government of Canada announced the Inuit Child First Initiative with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami in September 2018 as an interim approach based on Jordan’s Principle, until a long-term Inuit-specific approach is co-developed.
• The Government allocated $121.7 million to extend the Inuit Child First Initiative until March 31, 2026.

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If pressed on the Inuit Child First Initiative
• The backlog and the strain it is causing on individuals and communities is unacceptable. Officials are working on new solutions to reduce and eliminate the backlog.
• Our top priority is to improve these services. Inuit children should not face gaps or delays in accessing government services due to their identity as Inuit, regardless of where they live.
• Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is reviewing service delivery plans preparing an update on our progress to improve services for Inuit children.
• We continue to work with Inuit, provincial and territorial partners to strengthen collaboration and ensure that we meet children’s needs together.

If pressed on co-development
• ISC is working with Inuit partners, including Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the four Inuit Treaty Organizations, to co-develop an Inuit-specific long-term approach.
• ISC remains committed to the co-development process and the creation of a long-term approach which reflects the vision and direction of Inuit partners.

If pressed on operational changes
• In February 2025, ISC introduced changes to operating procedures related to processing requests under Jordan’s Principle. The changes also apply to the Inuit Child First Initiative as operationally it has mirrored Jordan’s Principle.
• The changes are required to ensure resources are used in line with the Inuit Child First Initiative, provide clarity on required documentation, and expedite decision-making.
• Temporary relief measures can be provided for income supplements such as rent, groceries or utilities to address immediate risk factors to children. However, it is not intended to displace government income assistance.