‘Funding crisis’ for Jordan’s Principle jeopardizes Manitoba First Nations children’s lives: chief

First Nations leaders in Manitoba are criticizing the federal government for failing to adequately fund Jordan’s Principle, a policy aimed at ensuring that First Nations children can quickly access necessary health-care services. Despite a 2017 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling mandating that requests be processed within 12 to 48 hours, leaders like War Lake First Nation Chief Betsy Kennedy report that communities have faced delays of months. The funding shortfall reflects a systemic failure by Canada to comply with its legal obligations, leaving First Nations scrambling for resources.

Walter Wastesicoot, grand chief of the Keewatin Tribal Council, noted that his council had to provide $8 million in bridge funding due to the lack of federal support, despite ongoing promises of reimbursement. The council’s data indicates that access to health care in northern Manitoba is severely lacking, contributing to preventable deaths among children. Both Kennedy and Wastesicoot emphasized the urgent need for immediate federal funding to alleviate the ongoing crisis, highlighting the detrimental effects of inconsistent financial support on the well-being of First Nations families. They reiterated that the government must ensure that First Nations children receive the essential services they need without delay.