The federal government is committing $1.55 billion to renew Jordan’s Principle until March 31, 2027, calling it stable funding for First Nations children.
While Manitoba Grand Chiefs welcome the funding, they say long-term reform is still needed.
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty made the announcement in Ottawa on Thursday, saying the funding reflects sustained demand and will protect uninterrupted access to essential services.
“There’s a new budgeting process in place. While we waited for answers, we were able to do the important work of outreach for me, which was the critical step. I wasn’t in a place where I felt uncertain of funds coming in; it’s a pleasure to be able to announce that today because that is what is going to create stability for the users of the program,” said Gull-Masty.
Jordan’s Principle requires governments to provide health, education, and social supports to First Nations children. The minister acknowledged recent uncertainty and backlogs, saying urgent cases have dropped from about 5,000 to roughly 400, and the department has addressed about 120,000 new applications.
“It is the responsibility of federal and provincial governments to work together to close those gaps; that’s what I am focused on. I want to make sure there is clarity in that space, that everyone around the table knows and understands that they’re able to get access to these services with continuity and stability,” said Gull-Masty.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson and MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee welcomed the renewed funding but say the recent delays have been devastating for families. With 25,000 urgent cases among 140,000 applications.
“When the funding discontinued, the needs were still there; they did not go away. In fact, I think they got worse, so this is an opportunity to ensure those children get the care they need,” said Grand Chief Settee.
The Grand Chiefs also questioned how the new commitment compares to previous federal spending plans, and say long-term, predictable, needs-based funding developed directly with First Nations is needed to prevent future disruptions.
“For the fiscal year of 2025,25 the federal government did identify 1.9 billion in planned spending for Jordan’s Principle, but now they are saying 1.5 billion, it’s actually a reduction in how much spending they already stated they would be providing Jordan’s Principle going forward,” said Grand Chief Wilson.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) echoed the MKO and AMC’s statement, saying many families in southern Manitoba still face delays and uncertainty when seeking supports.
“While we welcome the federal commitment, announcements alone do not help children. What matters is whether services reach our families quickly, fairly, and close to home. Right now, too many First Nations children in southern Manitoba are still waiting,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the SCO.
“Jordan’s Principle was never meant to carry the full weight of unmet mental health needs, but in many of our Nations it has become a lifeline,” stated Grand Chief Daniels. “This new funding must first help clear the backlog, strengthen First Nations service delivery capacity, and provide multi-year stability so families are not left guessing year to year whether their child will receive support.”
The feds say they will continue working with First Nations leadership and families as reforms move forward.