Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle created to ensure First Nations children can access the public products, services, and supports they need without delay or denial due to jurisdictional disputes between governments.
The Story Behind the Principle
The principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Born with complex medical needs, he spent over two years in a hospital unnecessarily because the federal and provincial governments could not agree on who should pay for his at-home care. Jordan died at the age of five, never having spent a day in a family home. His tragic story became the catalyst for this legal rule to prevent such failures from ever happening again.
What It Does and Who It Serves
Jordan’s Principle is a legal requirement, mandated by multiple orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. Its purpose is to provide First Nations children with “substantively equal” access to government-funded services.
A child is eligible if they are First Nations, under the age of majority, and permanently reside in Canada. Eligibility can be based on the child’s registration under the Indian Act, a parent’s registration, or recognition by their Nation for the purpose of Jordan’s Principle.
The principle covers a wide range of health, social, and educational needs based on the child’s individual circumstances. This can include:
- Health Services: Mental health counseling, medical equipment, therapies (like speech or physiotherapy), and transportation to appointments.
- Social Supports: Cultural and land-based programs, respite care, and other wellness services.
- Educational Needs: Tutoring, educational assessments, school supplies, and specialized teaching supports.
It’s important to know that funding is decided on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the program does not fund things like home renovations, international travel, or general household items unless a direct, assessed need is professionally demonstrated.
Know your rights under Jordan’s Principle: Webinar video and resources
- Watch the Webinar Video
- Jessica Raby’s presentation slides
- Knowing your rights under Jordan’s Principle – Jessica Raby’s presentation
- Remedies for Denied or Delayed Jordan’s Principle Requests – Information Sheet
- CHRT Summary Ruling on Jordan’s Principle Non-Compliance Motion – Information Sheet
How to Access Support
The main gateway for help is the Jordan’s Principle Call Centre, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453)
- TTY: 1-866-553-0554
When you call, you will be connected with a coordinator who can guide you through the process. To make a request, you will typically need to provide an application form and a detailed letter of support from a relevant professional (like a doctor, teacher, or therapist) explaining the child’s specific need.
For any immediate, life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest hospital first.
Important Context
- Jordan’s Principle is not an emergency crisis line; it is an intake and coordination service.
- The program continues to evolve, with recent clarifications focusing resources on core health and wellness needs.
- A separate but similar initiative, the Inuit Child First Initiative, exists to support Inuit children.
