The recent tribunal hearing unveiled a significant reduction in federal funding for educational support for First Nations children in Ontario under Jordan’s Principle. The funding amount dropped from $122.1 million to just $1.2 million between 2024 and 2025. This decrease followed the introduction of a new operational bulletin by Indigenous Services Canada, limiting the services eligible under the legal initiative.
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation presented statistics as evidence at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, accusing the government of systematically underfunding on-reserve schools in the province. Chief Margaret Sault, located 90 kilometers south of Toronto, expressed her shock at the drastic funding cuts, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by First Nations communities.
The First Nation argues that Canada’s education funding model, initially introduced as a temporary measure in 2019-20 and never replaced, is insufficient, discriminatory, and perpetuates colonial harms inflicted on children in residential schools. Legal proceedings have been ongoing since October of the previous year.
According to the data disclosed in the case, the number of approved Jordan’s Principle applications in Ontario dropped significantly after the change in operating procedures, with only 66 approved requests totaling $1.2 million in the period from April 1 to Sept. 30, 2025, compared to 2,608 applications worth $122.1 million in the same timeframe in 2024.
This decline in funding approval, coupled with a decrease in the number of requests submitted, raises concerns about the accessibility of educational support for First Nations children. The approval rate for education requests also saw a notable decrease following the implementation of the new operating procedure.
The ongoing legal battle sheds light on Canada’s argument regarding jurisdiction and funding authority for on-reserve schools. Canada denies underfunding but asserts that any funding decisions rest with Parliament, limiting the tribunal’s ability to mandate necessary spending. Critics, including legal representatives like Kent Elson, condemn this argument as allowing discrimination against First Nations children through underfunding.
Indigenous Services Canada declined to comment on the case, citing ongoing tribunal proceedings. The importance of adequately funded education for every First Nations child remains a critical issue highlighted during the hearings. The proceedings continue with more evidence being presented about Jordan’s Principle from federal witnesses.