Recent reporting by CBC highlights growing concerns about the future of Jordan’s Principle, a vital program ensuring First Nations children receive timely access to health, education, and social services-including speech-language pathology and audiology care. While Ottawa has committed $1.033 billion to maintain the program, no new funding has been announced, raising fears about sustainability and service delays.

This issue underscores the importance of SAC, specifically:

• Access to Care in Indigenous and Remote Communities: SAC calls for streamlined Jordan’s Principle reimbursement processes, increased federal investment in Indigenous-led speech and hearing health initiatives, and expanded telehealth/mobile clinics.
• Health Human Resources: Sustainable funding models are essential to recruit and retain professionals who deliver these services, particularly in more rural and remote communities.
• Early Detection and Intervention: Delays in care can have lifelong impacts on children’s development-reinforcing our push for national Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) guidelines and integration of S-LPs and audiologists in early childhood programs.

Stay informed by following SAC’s advocacy updates on this important work. The results of the Jordan’s Principle survey that was issued to members in September 2025 will be shared soon and will help in these advocacy efforts.