Loss of Jordan's Principle Programs in Canada
First Nations across Canada are experiencing a decline in Jordan's Principle programs due to reduced funding.
The funding for Jordan's Principle services decreased from $1.72 billion in 2023-24 to $1.64 billion in 2024-25.
This change has resulted in the loss of funding for children's programs, affecting communities such as Onigaming First Nation in northern Ontario.
Just in the past four years, we’ve had 46 deaths. That’s roughly about 5 per cent of our population overall
— Chief Jeff Copenace, highlighting the alarming rate of deaths, including suicides, in Onigaming First Nation.
- Onigaming First Nation has been under a state of emergency since 2024.
- The community had implemented various programs to address mental health issues, including crisis response teams and after-hours safety patrols.
Author's summary: First Nations face reduced funding for vital programs.