The recent tribunal hearing exposed a significant reduction in funding for First Nations children in Ontario seeking educational assistance under Jordan’s Principle. The federal government slashed funding from $122.1 million to just $1.2 million between 2024 and 2025. This drastic cut, initiated after Indigenous Services Canada introduced a new operational bulletin in February 2025, resulted in a funding level that was 100 times lower than before.
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 expressed shock at the funding reductions, 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, racially discriminatory, and perpetuates the historical harms inflicted on children in residential schools. The tribunal hearing, ongoing since October last year, aims to address these systemic issues.
According to lawyer Kent Elson representing Mississaugas of the Credit, the funding approach fails to meet the educational needs of First Nations children, leading to disparities compared to off-reserve school systems. The data reveals a significant decrease in approved Jordan’s Principle applications and funding amounts, indicating a concerning trend in supporting Indigenous students.
Furthermore, Canada’s argument about jurisdiction in funding on-reserve schools has sparked criticism. The government contends that the tribunal should exercise restraint in ordering a remedy, claiming that the authority for spending approval lies solely with Parliament. This stance has drawn strong condemnation, with Elson labeling it as a “shameful argument” that allows Canada to underfund and discriminate against First Nations children.
Indigenous Services Canada declined to provide comments due to the ongoing tribunal case. However, the department reiterated its commitment to supporting First Nations students and ensuring comparable education funding to provincial systems. The hearing continues with further testimonies, shedding light on the critical importance of addressing the educational disparities faced by Indigenous children.