The federal government has significantly reduced funding for First Nations children in Ontario seeking educational assistance under Jordan’s Principle. The funding dropped from $122.1 million to only $1.2 million between 2024 and 2025, as disclosed during a tribunal hearing this week.
This sharp decrease in funding, which occurred after Indigenous Services Canada implemented a new operational bulletin restricting eligible services under Jordan’s Principle, highlights a concerning trend. Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation presented these statistics as evidence at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, accusing the government of systematically underfunding on-reserve schools in the province.
Chief Margaret Sault from Mississaugas of the Credit, located south of Toronto, expressed dismay at the funding cuts, emphasizing the recurring pattern of setbacks faced by First Nations communities. The First Nation argues that Canada’s education funding model, initially introduced as a temporary measure in 2019-20 but never replaced, is insufficient, racially discriminatory, and perpetuates the historical injustices inflicted on children in residential schools.
Lawyer Kent Elson, representing Mississaugas of the Credit in the complaint, pointed out the inadequacy of the current funding approach, noting that it fails to meet the educational needs of First Nations children. The data revealed a significant decline in approved Jordan’s Principle applications and funding amounts, raising concerns about the accessibility of essential services for Indigenous youth.
Moreover, Canada’s argument regarding jurisdiction and funding responsibilities has drawn criticism. The Justice Department’s stance that the tribunal should exercise restraint in ordering financial remedies, even if underfunding is proven, has been labeled as “shameful” by Elson. The ongoing tribunal hearing continues to shed light on the challenges faced by First Nations communities in accessing equitable education funding.
Indigenous Services Canada declined to provide comments on the matter due to the ongoing tribunal case. The department previously stated its commitment to supporting First Nations students’ educational needs and ensuring comparable funding to provincial systems.
The tribunal hearing is progressing with further testimonies and evidence related to Jordan’s Principle, highlighting the importance of addressing the funding disparities affecting First Nations children in Ontario.