Statement from the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, on Jordan’s Principle

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 30, 2017) – The Minister of Indigenous Services, Jane Philpott, issued the following statement today:

“The Government of Canada recognizes that our commitment to Jordan’s Principle is fundamental to ensuring that First Nations children receive the care and services they need, when and where they need them. It is also consistent with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action for full implementation of Jordan’s Principle.

In that spirit, I am pleased to announce that we have advanced our collaborative actions with the parties to the case before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT). Together, we proposed amendments to the May 2017 ruling that are in the best interests of First Nations children and the Tribunal agreed.

These amendments address the two aspects of the ruling that the Government of Canada was seeking to set aside by the Federal Court. As a result, Canada will withdraw its application for judicial review.

Canada is fully committed to implementing Jordan’s Principle and complying with the orders of the CHRT. We are working with First Nations partners and communities, as well as provinces and territories, to ensure all First Nations children get the care they need. Our goal is to move beyond legal proceedings and work together on meaningful change.

As of October 31, 2017, 24,196 services and supports have been approved for First Nations children under Jordan’s Principle – A Child-First Initiative. These include mental health supports, medical equipment, speech therapy, educational supports, and more.

If a First Nations child is not receiving the services and supports they need, families are encouraged to contact us at 1-800-567-9604. ”

For more information, media may contact:

Andrew MacKendrick
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott
819-956-5372

INAC Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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