Loss of Jordan's Principle Programs Across Canada
First Nations across Canada are experiencing a loss of Jordan's Principle programs due to changes in funding rules by the federal government.
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, which has been under a state of emergency since 2024, is one of the affected communities. Chief Jeff Copenace stated:
Just in the past four years, we’ve had 46 deaths. That’s roughly about 5 per cent of our population overall.
- Crisis response teams
- An after-hours safety team that patrolled homes and the community at night to ensure residents, especially children and youth, were safe
These programs addressed mental health issues, but their loss poses a significant concern for the community.
Author's summary: First Nations face loss of Jordan's Principle programs.