Jordan's Principle
Learn about Jordan's Principle and how it supports First Nations children.
To find out who's covered under Jordan's Principle, visit Who is covered.
Services
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency
Call 911 or visit the nearest health facility. This includes requests for emergency support services for:
- a medical or mental health emergency
- crime
- violence
Do not call Jordan's Principle as we are not able to provide emergency services.
Potential delays
Due to the Canada Post labour disruptions, there may be delays related to applications or reimbursements that are sent by mail.
If you would prefer to receive reimbursement through direct deposit, contact your regional focal point to find out how.
Other available services and supports
Mental health crisis
If you are seeking crisis intervention, you may call Hope for Wellness which offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada, or the 988 Suicide Crisis Line.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call the toll-free Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
Call or text 9-8-8 or visit 988.ca for more information.
Local community and social services
Canada 211 is a free, confidential, and national information and referral service that connects people to the social, community, non-clinical health, and government services.
Connect with 211 by dialing 2-1-1 for 24/7 specialist support (in over 150 languages), texting 2-1-1 (where available), or visiting 211.ca for online chat and service searches.
On this page
Urgent requests for funding a product, service or support
If you need to request funding for a product, service or support and the circumstances meet the criteria below, your request is considered urgent. For these requests, please contact the Jordan's Principle Call Centre at:
- 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453 )
- teletypewriter: 1-866-553-0554
The call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is not an emergency or crisis help line.
An urgent request must be directly linked to the child's urgent circumstances and could include requests for products or services that can help address:
- 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
These criteria were clarified by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in its November 21, 2024 summary ruling , and further in the full reasons issued on January 29, 2025 (2025 CHRT 6).
Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and there may be some time-sensitive requests that become urgent, but are not covered by the above.
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 submit a request for free. For help contact us.
Updates on Jordan's Principle
About Jordan's Principle
Jordan's Principle is a human rights principle largely defined by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to make sure that First Nations children do not face gaps or delays in accessing government services and are not denied 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
Text alternative: Helping First Nations children
Between July 2016 and July 31, 2025, more than 9.96 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 in its provision of child and family services to First Nations children and families living on reserve and in Yukon was discriminatory and its interpretation of Jordan's Principle was too narrow. The CHRT ordered the Government of Canada to implement the full meaning and scope of 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 June 2025, nearly $10 billion has been announced since 2016 to meet the distinct needs of First Nations children through Jordan's Principle.
Related links
- First Nations Child and Family Services, and Jordan's Principle Settlement Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Services
- 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)