First Nations Losing Jordan's Principle Programs
First Nations across Canada are experiencing a loss of Jordan's Principle programs due to funding changes.
Funding for Jordan's Principle services decreased from $1.72 billion in 2023-24 to $1.64 billion in 2024-25.
Onigaming First Nation in northern Ontario, under a state of emergency since 2024, reported a significant loss of funding for children's programs.
“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, highlighting the community's struggles with mental health issues and high death rates, including suicides.
- Crisis response teams
- An after-hours safety team patrolling homes and the community at night to ensure resident safety, especially for children and youth
These programs were previously in place to address mental health concerns in Onigaming First Nation.
Author's summary: Funding cuts affect First Nations' programs.