What is Jordan’s Principle?

Jordan’s Principle is a legal requirement that provides access to services for First Nations children and ensures that the government of first contact pays for the services without delay. This child-first-based principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada have equitable access to all government-funded public services when they need them. This includes funding for a wide range of health, social, and educational needs.

What could be covered under Jordan’s Principle?

Eligibility criteria for Jordan’s Principle:

On November 25, 2020, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) released a ruling about Jordan’s Principle eligibility. A child under the age of majority in their province or territory of residence can access Jordan’s Principle, if they permanently reside in Canada and if the child 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 for the purposes of Jordan’s Principle
• is ordinarily resident on reserve

To find out more about how to confirm with a First Nations official that a child is recognized by their nation (for the purposes of Jordan’s Principle), contact your regional focal point for Jordan’s Principle or the Jordan’s Principle Call Centre.

CONTACT INFORMATION

As of March 31, 2021 First Nations Health Authority is no longer delivering Jordan’s Principle. The administration of Jordan’s Principle has been transitioned to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

For more information on Jordan’s Principle, please visit the ISC website. 

If you would like to submit a request for Jordan’s Principle, visit this ISC webpage.

Contact information for ISC BC Region:

For requests:

Phone: 778-951-0716

Email: sac.principedejordancb-bcjordansprinciple.isc@canada.ca

For payment inquiries:

Phone: 778-951-071

Email: sac.paiementsprincipedejordancb-bcjordansprinciplepayments.isc@canada.ca

Contact Information for Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator for the North:

Lisa Stewart, Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator, Prince Rupert Friendship House Association        

Phone: 250- 627-1717 Ext: 19

Fax: 250-627-7533 

Email: Jp-coordinator@friendshiphouse.ca 

Introduction Statement by Lisa Stewart, Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinator for the North                                              

USEFUL LINKS

Assembly of First Nations Jordan’s Principle Handbook (2019) 

Aboriginal Legal Aid BC