Private Members Motion in Support of Jordan’s Principle Passes in House of Commons

December 13, 2007

I am thrilled to share the wonderful news that Members of Parliament unanimously voted in favour of the Private Members Motion in support of Jordan’s Principle that was tabled by NDP MP Jean Crowder yesterday. Jordan’s father, Ernest Anderson, and sister Jerlene Anderson and families from Norway House Cree Nation whose children were affected by government jurisdictional disputes watched as all members stood in support of this historic child first approach to resolving jurisdictional disputes affecting First Nations children and then joined in a unanimous standing ovation for the family, community and supporters who filled the public galleries. Ernest said he hopes the federal government follows up this moral, but not binding motion, by immediately putting in place clear rules to ensure governments pay for kids first — and settle cash disputes later.We are so thankful for your support and that of over 1200 Individuals and organizations that helped make this special time a reality but our job is not done and we need your help. We would ask that you write a letter to the Prime Minister congratulating all Members of Parliament on their unanimous vote in favor of Jordan’s Principle and urging immediate implementation. We would also ask that you write to the Premieres of the provinces and territories, none of whom have adopted Jordan’s Principle asking that they take immediate action to adopt and implement Jordan’s Principle. Sample letters are available on the Many Hands One Dream website www.manyhandsonedream.ca

Please also encourage others individuals and organizations in your circle to continue to sign the Joint Declaration in Support of Jordan’s Principle (www.fncaringsociety.com) so that we can continue to demonstrate how many peoples in Canada care about these children and want government to put their needs before jurisdictional disputes. I cannot tell you how much your support has meant to Jordan’s family, Norway House Cree Nation and to those of us who have had the privilege of supporting Jordan’s message of equality and fairness.

On behalf of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada we would like to extend our warmest appreciation to all members of Parliament for their support of Jordan’s Principle and especially to MP Jean Crowder who tabled the private members motion making the unanimous vote possible. We would also like to confirm our commitment to work with governments and all of you to ensure that Jordan’s Principle goes beyond a moral victory and into a lived experience of every First Nations child in Canada.

Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays!
Cindy Blackstock,
Executive Director,
First nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada

The Private Members Motion in Support of Jordan’s Principle passed unanimously in the House of Commons on December 12, 2007.
This motion creates a moral direction on government to implement it but not a legal one. Please write to your MP and thank them for voting “yes” on Jordan’s Principle and urging them to implement it immediately.