The Canadian government, through Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, has announced a significant investment of $1.55 billion aimed at ensuring First Nations children receive equal access to vital social and health services under the legal framework of Jordan’s Principle. This initiative was prompted by the recognition that jurisdictional discrepancies among various levels of government have resulted in delayed access to necessary services for First Nations children. The funding is intended to extend until 2027, underscoring a long-term commitment to addressing the disparities faced by these communities.

Despite the funding announcement, the response has not been universally positive. Critics, including prominent child welfare advocate Cindy Blackstock, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's failure to repeal an operational bulletin that restricted the scope of services covered under Jordan’s Principle. This has raised concerns among advocates about the adequacy and accessibility of available services, with many stressing the importance of backing appropriate regulations to ensure Indigenous children get the care the legislation originally intended.

Highlighting the current difficulties, Blackstock has pointed out a backlog of approximately 130,000 cases under Jordan’s Principle, which she describes as indicative of a chaotic state within Indigenous Services. The substantial number of unresolved cases raises critical questions regarding how effectively the funding will be implemented and the potential for further delays if the current operational guidelines remain unchanged. As the deadline for the funding approaches, there is growing urgency for the government to clarify its long-term strategy for sustaining support for First Nations children beyond 2027, especially if the existing operational barriers persist.