Canada. Indigenous Services Canada

Jordan's Principle


Description

A child first and need-based principle (not a program) that ensures First Nation children living on and off reserve have equitable access to all government-funded public services

  • exists as a result of a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) order
  • created to resolve financial and jurisdictional disputes between and within provincial and federal governments as to who pays for services provided for First Nation children
  • department of either government with first contact pays, then is later responsible for jurisdictional reimbursement

Funding is provided for a variety of health, social and educational needs and can include:

  • addiction services
  • assessments and screenings
  • educational needs such as school supplies, tutoring services, teaching assistants, specialized school transportation, psycho-educational assessments, assistive technologies and electronics
  • long-term care for children with specialized needs
  • medical supplies and equipment
  • mental health services
  • mobility aids
  • services for children in care
  • services from Elders
  • specialized hearing aids
  • therapeutic services for individuals or groups (speech therapy, physiotherapy or occupational therapy)
  • traditional healing services
  • transportation to appointments

Also provides the following services:

  • engagement and education to community members on Jordan's Principle
  • support for community resource teams
  • physical education and sports programs after school, in the evenings and on weekends
  • assistance to identify children in the community with unmet needs and to identify service gaps
Eligibility
Any child under the age of majority in their province/territory of residence who permanently resides in Canada on or off reserve and meets one of the following criteria:
  • is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
  • has one parent or guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
  • is recognized by their Nation and meets an identified health, education or social need for the purposes of Jordan's Principle
  • is ordinarily resident on reserve
Application Process
  • Completed consent form and application required
  • Contact the Jordan's Principle Wrap-Around Lead Coordinator of community with originating request for assistance

If request is denied, an Appeal may be sent in as a written request within one year of the date of denial
Documents Required
Completed consent form and application required
Office
1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453 ) - Jordan's Principle Call Centre 24-hour line
TTY
1-866-553-0554
Web Site
Visit Website
Email
[email protected]
Languages
English, French, Ojibwe
Fees
None
Social Media
Agency Information
View Agency Profile
Last Updated On
March 5, 2026
Location
Gatineau
Accessibility
N/A
Hours of Operation
Open 24/7
Call Centre: Mon-Sun 24 hours
Service Area(s)
Canada