Jordan's Principle

Jordan's Principle is a child-first principle named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba.  Born with complex medical needs, Jordan spent more than two years unnecessarily in hospital while the Province of Manitoba and the Federal Government argued over who should pay for his at-home care. Jordan died in the hospital at five-years old, never having spent a day in his family home.  In response to his death, and in honour of him, Jordan's Principle was created.

Jordan's Principle is meant to prevent First Nation's children from being denied essential services or experiencing delays in receiving them.  The principle applies to all First Nations Children on or off reserve; also providing payment for needed services by the government or department that first receives the request.

Jordan's Principle aims to make sure First Nations children can access all public services in a way that is reflective of their distinct cultural needs, takes full account of the historical disadvantage linked to colonization, and without experiencing any service denials, delays or disruptions related to their First Nations status.  Jordan's Principle aims to include all First Nation's children, not just those with multiple disabilities and to cover all needs: health, education, social and cultural.

If a First Nation's Child needs a publicly funded health, social service or support that other Canadian children receive, and cannot access it through existing programs in the community, then it is an eligible service or support.

So far, coverage has been provided for a variety of services and supports, including:

• Respite care
• Mental Health services
• Rehabilitative Therapies
• Services for children in care
• Transportation to appointments
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Special education supports and services
• Long-term care for children with specialized needs

• Work with province/territories, agencies on the implementation of Jordan's Principle and Child's First Initiative
• Complete the Jordan's Principle Intake Form with children and families to help identify needs and appropriate referrals
• Coordinate care and link to appropriate community resources for specific professionals based on the child and family need
• Provide support and follow up with the children and families to ensure their needs are met
• To act as a resource person for agencies and individuals requiring education or information related to childhood development or child disorders
• Facilitate timely payment services
• Identifies community gaps for children's needs and monitors program operations
• Work with relevant partners to help develop longer-term solution to service access for First Nation's children