Putting Children First – McGuinty Government Pledges Support For Jordan’s Principle

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2009
News Release

News

Disputes about who will pay for urgently-needed health care will not delay First Nations’ children’s access to it in Ontario.Ontario has formally pledged its support for Jordan’s Principle, an initiative that rightly puts the urgent health-care needs of First Nation children first and supports the notion that needed health care should not be delayed or disrupted because of jurisdictional disputes.

The initiative is named after Jordan River Anderson, who was born on a northern Manitoba reserve and spent his entire four-year life away from family and his community while the Manitoba and Federal governments argued about who should pay for his care.

Quotes

“By giving our support to Jordan’s Principle today, this government promises to work with First Nation families, communities and the federal government to make certain that jurisdictional disputes do not interfere in the timely provision of urgent health care services for First Nation children in Ontario.”
– Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

“We’re committed to improving services for all Aboriginal children and youth, both on and off reserve, to help them reach their full potential. I’m proud to demonstrate our continued support for Jordan’s Principle today and re-state our commitment to ensuring that the health, safety and well-being of first nation’s children are put first, ahead of any jurisdictional issues.”
– Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services

Quick Facts

> Jordan’s Principle, an initiative spearheaded by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, was embodied in a motion adopted by the Federal Parliament on December 12, 2007.
> In the 2007 Speech from the Throne, Ontario committed to creating a better life for Aboriginal peoples and communities. That commitment is supported by annual investments of about $600 million on programs and services for Aboriginal people. About $300 million of this essential funding goes to Aboriginal child and social services.

Learn More

> Read the Statement to the Ontario Legislature by the Honourable Brad Duguid
> Aboriginal health services available in Ontario