Newfoundland and Labrador is stepping up to provide educational support funding for children with exceptionalities impacted by delays in a federally funded program known as Jordan’s Principle. Gerry Byrne, the Liberal MHA for Corner Brook, announced that the province would allocate millions to assist families facing funding cutbacks until the end of the calendar year. This commitment follows consultations with parents and assurances from regional minister Gudie Hutchings that the province would fill the funding gap.
Jordan’s Principle ensures First Nations children receive necessary health care and educational support. However, recent CBC reports highlighted delays in funding, leaving some students without necessary assistance. Byrne emphasized that the province will do whatever it takes to ensure students receive support, contingent on future federal reimbursement. He noted that education for Indigenous children is a shared responsibility.
The announcement was welcomed by parents like Jennifer Broadbent, whose son Obie relies on Jordan’s Principle for support. Despite the positive news, Broadbent expressed concerns about insufficient communication from the government and the need for ongoing funding after December. Byrne is hopeful that issues with Jordan’s Principle will be resolved by January, allowing for a more stable funding framework moving forward.
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