Ministers Cleveland and Semmler call for swift federal action to protect Jordan’s Principle supports in the NWT, welcome positive signals from new government

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland and Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler issued the following joint statement today on recent changes to Jordan’s Principle:

“Across the Northwest Territories, children and families are being impacted by recent administrative changes to Jordan’s Principle. As territorial Ministers—and as Northerners—we are deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of these changes, and we are urging swift federal action to protect the progress that’s been made.

In the North, Jordan’s Principle isn’t just a program—it’s a solution. It has helped close longstanding gaps in services, supported student success, and improved educational outcomes. Graduation rates for Indigenous students in the NWT have risen by six per cent over the past three years. That kind of progress matters—and right now, it’s at risk.

The recent restrictions—introduced by the previous federal government—are reversing previously approved decisions, including funding for educational assistants, learning supports, and culturally relevant programming. Already, nearly 80 educational assistants in Yellowknife alone are facing layoffs, with additional positions at risk in communities across the territory.

That means fewer supports for students with complex needs. Fewer adults in classrooms. More pressure on teachers. And families left to fight for services their children need and deserve.

In many Northern communities, Jordan’s Principle isn’t supplemental—it’s essential. In southern Canada, families may have other options. In the North, this program often fills the gaps. These cuts will deepen inequities and dismantle supports that were finally starting to work—not only in education, but across early childhood development, child and family services, mental health and addictions, and medical travel. The downstream impacts of these changes will be significant and long-lasting.

At the same time, new administrative requirements—like mandatory health professional referrals—are placing additional burdens on our already overstretched health system. These changes risk diverting critical clinical resources away from frontline care, just as we are working to reduce red tape and improve access across the health and social services system.

This isn’t just a budget issue—it risks undermining the very intent of Jordan’s Principle. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled that no First Nations child should be denied access to services because of jurisdictional wrangling or administrative hurdles. That’s what led to the creation of this program. Rolling it back now would mean breaking that promise.

We recognize that these decisions were made under a previous government and that budgetary pressures are real. But Northern realities demand Northern solutions. That’s why we’ve offered a clear path forward: maintain current funding levels through at least 2026 while working with Northern and Indigenous partners to co-develop a regionally tailored model that reflects on-the-ground needs.

Last week, we travelled to Ottawa to raise these concerns directly with federal Ministers and officials. We were joined by MLA Jane Weyallon-Armstrong, Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Development and a longtime advocate for Indigenous children and families. As MLA Weyallon-Armstrong shared:

“Jordan’s Principle was working in the North. It helped children catch up and, at times, thrive—especially in smaller communities where supports are scarce. Rolling it back now would hurt the very people it was meant to help. I’m encouraged by the early signals from this new federal government, and hopeful that they will act quickly to protect the progress we’ve made and strengthen the supports our children depend on.”

We also want to thank the Indigenous governments who added their voices in Ottawa: Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, Ɂek’wahtı̨dǝ́ Danny Gaudet of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government, and Chief Ernest Betsina of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Their leadership and advocacy have been essential.

And we thank Premier R.J. Simpson for raising this issue directly with Prime Minister Carney during their first official one-on-one meeting. We appreciate the Prime Minister’s concern and his commitment to follow up with the federal Finance Minister to ensure this issue is addressed at the highest levels.

Overall, the initial signals from our meetings in Ottawa—from the Prime Minister and federal Ministers—have been positive. There is a clear recognition that the realities of the North are different, and that solutions must reflect those realities. There is also a shared understanding that programs like Jordan’s Principle are essential to advancing reconciliation and improving outcomes for Indigenous children and families.

We are hopeful—and confident—that this new government will work with us to get this right. We’re committed to working closely with our federal and Indigenous partners to design a model that works on the ground, reflects our unique circumstances, and ensures no child falls through the cracks.

We’re ready to work together to protect children, uphold the spirit and intent of Jordan’s Principle, and ensure Indigenous and Northern families continue to receive the support they need. The time to act is now. The children of the Northwest Territories are counting on all of us.”

Hon. Caitlin Cleveland
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Hon. Lesa Semmler
Minister of Health and Social Services

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Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
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