Canada Slashes Funding for First Nations Children’s Education in Ontario – A 98% Reduction Sparks Legal Battle
TORONTO, ON – In a move described as “shameful” and a devastating setback for Indigenous children, the federal government has dramatically reduced funding for education assistance under Jordan’s Principle for First Nations children in Ontario. A court hearing this week revealed a staggering 98% decrease in funding, plummeting from $122.1 million to a mere $1.2 million for the same periods in 2024 and 2025. This breaking news is sending ripples through Indigenous communities and raising serious questions about Canada’s commitment to reconciliation.
Chief Margaret Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. (Photo: Margaret Sault/Facebook)
The Dramatic Funding Collapse: Numbers Tell a Stark Story
The cuts, implemented following a new operational bulletin from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) limiting eligible services, are starkly illustrated by the data presented to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Between April 1 and September 30, 2024, 2,608 school-related applications were approved, totaling $122.1 million. In the same period in 2025, only 66 requests were approved, amounting to just $1.2 million. The number of applications submitted also dropped significantly, from 3749 to 1031.
Previously, approval rates were exceptionally high – 94% in 2023-24. However, after the new procedures were implemented, the approval rate plummeted to a mere 28%. This isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it represents real children losing access to essential educational support.
Jordan’s Principle: A Promise Unfulfilled?
Jordan’s Principle, named after Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child who died in hospital while the federal and provincial governments debated who should pay for his care, is meant to ensure First Nations children have equitable access to public health and social services. It’s designed to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and ensure funding follows the child, regardless of which government is ultimately responsible. However, this latest development casts a long shadow over the principle’s effectiveness.
“It always seems like we take one step forward and two steps back,” lamented Chief Margaret Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, located approximately 90 kilometers south of Toronto. Her community is at the forefront of the legal challenge, accusing Ottawa of systematically underfunding schools and perpetuating the colonial harms inflicted by residential schools.
The Legal Battle and Canada’s Controversial Defense
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation argues that Canada’s current education funding model – a temporary measure introduced in 2019-20 that has never been replaced – is inadequate, discriminatory, and fails to provide the same level of support as schools outside of First Nations communities. Children with special needs, for example, are often forced to leave their communities to access necessary services due to insufficient funding.
What’s particularly troubling, according to lawyer Kent Elson, who represents the First Nation, is the federal government’s legal argument. Canada doesn’t deny underfunding, but instead argues that even if the tribunal finds the funding model discriminatory, it lacks the authority to compel Ottawa to spend the necessary funds, as budgetary power rests solely with Parliament. “Their argument means that Canada is allowed under human rights law to underfund and discriminate against First Nations children,” Elson stated. “This is a shameful argument, and I think many Canadians would be ashamed to know that it is being made on their behalf.”
A Human Cost: The Story of One Family
The impact of these cuts is deeply personal. CBC Indigenous reported last year on an Ontario family whose 8-year-old autistic son lost essential educational support after Canada refused to renew funding. They are far from alone. The data reveals a widespread pattern of families being denied the resources their children need to thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Fight for Equitable Education Continues
Indigenous Services Canada declined to comment, citing the ongoing court case. However, a spokesperson reiterated the department’s commitment to funding education on reserves in a manner comparable to provincial systems and supporting the unique needs of First Nations students. The hearing is ongoing, and the outcome will have significant implications for the future of First Nations education in Ontario and across Canada. This case underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in Indigenous education and a genuine commitment to reconciliation. For readers seeking to learn more and stay informed, archyde.com will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of this critical issue, offering in-depth analysis and updates as they become available. Explore our Indigenous Affairs section for related stories and resources.
