Jordan's Principle
Services
To find out who's covered under Jordan's Principle, visit Who is covered.
Urgent requests
If you have an urgent request that meets the following interim criteria, please contact the Jordan's Principle Call Centre at 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453). This could include:
- life threatening cases
- cases involving end-of-life or palliative care
- risk of suicide
- risk to physical safety
- no access to food or basic necessities
- risk of entering the child welfare system
- caregivers and children fleeing from domestic violence
This interim criteria of urgent was clarified by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) in its November 21, 2024 summary ruling.
Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and there may be some time-sensitive requests that are urgent, but are not covered by the above.
Urgent requests for products, services or supports under Jordan's Principle must be directly linked to the child's urgent circumstances.
Jordan's Principle is free to access
There is no fee for First Nations children to access Jordan's Principle. Regional focal points and service coordinators will help you with a request for free. For help with a request or if you have questions, please contact us.
Available 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Jordan's Principle Call Centre: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453)
- teletypewriter: 1-866-553-0554
On this page
Updates on Jordan's Principle
About Jordan's Principle
Jordan's Principle is a human rights principle established by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to make sure that First Nations children do not face gaps, delays, or denials in accessing government services because of their identity as First Nations children.
Jordan's Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. He was a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba.
Requests for Inuit children can be made through the Inuit Child First Initiative.
Helping First Nations children
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Text alternative: Helping First Nations children
Between July 2016 and December 31, 2024, more than 8.7 million products, services and supports were approved under Jordan's Principle. These included:
- speech therapy
- educational supports
- medical equipment
- mental health services
- and more
A legal rule
In 2016, the CHRT determined the Government of Canada's approach to services for First Nations children was discriminatory. One way we are addressing this is through a renewed approach to Jordan's Principle.
Since the ruling, the CHRT has issued a number of follow-up orders about Jordan's Principle.
To learn more about the latest legal decisions on child and family services and Jordan's Principle, or about other related decisions, consult:
What we are doing
Jordan's Principle is intended to make sure that First Nations children have substantively equal access to government services, taking into account their distinct circumstances, experiences, and needs as First Nations children.
As of December 2024, nearly $8.8 billion has been announced since 2016 to meet the needs of First Nations children through Jordan's Principle.
Related links
- Honouring Jordan River Anderson
- CHRT definition of Jordan's Principle
- Video: Jordan's Principle: Making sure First Nations children can get the services they need
- Video: Jordan's Principle Youth Public Service Announcements (developed and made available by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada)
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