FSIN Offered No Assurances Over Jordan’s Principle
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 15:43
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is repeating its call for the provincial government to adopt Jordan’s Principle . . . but the province is still saying “not yet”.
The principle essentially states that whichever level of government makes first contact with a child in need of services has a responsibility to cover expenses ahead of any jurisdictional dispute.
The FSIN adopted the principle last year.
Ernest Anderson is hopeful the provincial government will jump on board — and urges all governments to help all children, regardless of race.
Anderson is Jordan’s father, the little boy the principle is named after.
Jordan died while governments were trying to figure out who was responsible for him.
Saskatchewan Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer says she needs more information on Jordan’s Principle, and that the new government has to discuss it in a cabinet meeting first before endorsing anything.
Harpauer also says there are other issues that need to be dealt with first, such as overcrowding in foster homes and children being placed in unsafe situations.