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Jordan's principle a lesson learned

In 1867 when Canada left Mother England and became an independent nation, the British Parliament passed what was known as the British North America Act, or the BNA Act. This piece of legislation is still in effect and for the first century it was the country's constitution.

The BNA Act outlined how Canada would be governed and the powers of the federal and provincial governments were listed in the act.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, Jordan's principle has been developed to ensure that all first nations children are cared for appropriately and in a timely manner where jurisdictional disputes exist among governments.

Campbell backs new policy for native kids

Premier Gordon Campbell yesterday backed a policy that could have widespread benefits for First Nations children by putting their needs ahead of jurisdictional bickering.

In a speech to the First Nations Chiefs Forum in Vancouver, Campbell became the first premier in Canada to announce support for Jordan's Principle.

MP triumphs with Jordan's Principle

In an almost unprecedented case, the provincial and federal governments have endorsed a private member's bill brought forward by a minority MP.

Cowichan MP Jean Crowder was ecstatic to hear Premier Gordon Campbell announced Thursday he supported Jordan's Principle, which she introduced in Ottawa last May.

The policy ensures jurisdictional disputes between governments about who should cover medical bills for aboriginal children do not prevent them from receiving proper health care.

Note d’information sur M-296 : Le principe de Jordan
Le 21 mars 2007 — Mme Crowder (Nanaimo-Cowichan) — Que, de l’opinion de la Chambre, le gouvernement devrait immédiatement adopter le principe de « l’enfant d’abord », fondé sur le principe de Jordan, afin de résoudre les disputes juridictionnelles concernant les soins pour les enfants des Premières Nations.

Bill puts children ahead of jurisdictional bickering

OTTAWA -- MPs of all parties unanimously endorsed a private member's motion Wednesday night aimed at putting the medical treatment of First Nations children ahead of intergovernmental bickering.

"Jordan's Principle" was introduced by NDP MP Jean Crowder, who represents the B.C. riding of Nanaimo-Cowichan.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP) 
moved:
     That, in the opinion of the House, the government should immediately adopt a child first principle, based on Jordan's Principle, to resolve jurisdictional disputes involving the care of First Nations children.

“First Nations children should receive the same level of care” – Crowder

OTTAWA – NDP Aboriginal critic Jean Crowder (Nanaimo-Cowichan) introduced a motion today that calls for a child-first policy based on Jordan’s Principle.