The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) says it wants the federal government to end its ongoing neglect and systemic failures when it comes to First Nations children.
On Friday, AMC called for the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle, saying mismanagement by Indigenous Services Canada has left the program in shambles and families without crucial health, education and social supports .
This is in response to Min. Patty Hajdu saying last month, that Jordan’s Principle was no longer operating “within the spirit” of why it was created, and changes were under way to make sure spending aligns “with the long-term sustainability” of the program.
“We feel that it’s time that we actually have much stronger criteria, more rigor around how we can account for those funds being spent and those supports being provided,” Hajdu told Global News.
But chiefs feel that was an effort to paint First Nations as the problem. They say bureaucrats and politicians developed the program without First Nations consultation and encouraged communities to “spend, spend, spend” says AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson.
For years, parents and Jordan’s Principle coordinators in communities took that to mean aim for the sky with funding requests, which ballooned to three million requests alone in 2023-24.
Private school tuition, vacations, elite sports and new homes and vehicles are among what has been funded.
The Liberal government says since 2016, it has spent almost $9 billion on the program.
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But now, Hajdu says changes are underway.
“It’s time for the program to refine itself so that it can be run in an efficient way, so that it can be run in a way that people have confidence in its integrity,” Hajdu said.Chiefs argue any inefficiencies and integrity concerns fall at the feet of the minister and her government.
“That was a dependency created by them. They created the monster,” said Keewatin Tribal Council Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot.
Jordan’s Principle was named after Jordan River Anderson, a Cree boy who died of multiple disabilities in a Winnipeg hospital in 2005 as the federal and provincial governments fought over who should pay for his care at home. The program is supposed to ensure First Nations children services and supports when they need them and not be caught in jurisdictional wrangling.
In January, the boy’s dad Ernest Anderson, called on Canadians to “stand with” his family demanding a probe into the program he said no longer works as intended and doesn’t serve his son’s memory well.
Not fixing it or scrapping it is not an option.
“Jordan’s Principle is not a suggestion. It is not a courtesy. It is a commitment—a legal and moral one,” Wilson says.
“Canada cannot continue to break this promise while pretending it’s honouring it.”
Several chiefs said Hajdu should be shuffled out as Indigenous Services Minister. Newly-sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney though has kept her on that portfolio.
“I’m still the Minister of Indigenous Services,” Hajdu said after Carney’s cabinet was announced. “I can tell you that children are still getting care through Jordan’s Principle.”
Since concerns were initially raised, Indigenous Services Canada’s website was updated to clarify what will not be funded through the program.
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