Loss of Jordan's Principle Programs in First Nations Across Canada
Funding for Jordan's Principle services 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.
Onigaming First Nation in northern Ontario, under a state of emergency since 2024, is among those affected. The community has experienced high death rates, including suicides.
“Just in the past four years, we’ve had 46 deaths. That’s roughly about 5 per cent of our population overall,”said Chief Jeff Copenace.
Onigaming previously ran programs addressing mental health issues, including crisis response teams and an after-hours safety team.
Author's summary: First Nations face loss of vital programs.