Jordan's Principle: Get Travel and Hotel Costs Covered in Canada

Your Solution for Travel and Accommodation Funding

Are you a caregiver facing high hotel, meal, and travel costs just to get your First Nations child the essential health, social, or educational services they need? The Jordan Principle is a Canadian human rights-based funding mechanism designed to cover these exact costs, ensuring no First Nations child is denied service due to where they live or who pays the bill.

This guide walks you through the specific requirements for funding hotel stays and travel under this critical principle across Canada.

What is the Jordan Principle (And Why Does it Cover Travel)?

The Jordan Principle is a child-first legal rule, born from the tragedy of Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation. It mandates that First Nations children receive essential services immediately, without being caught in federal-provincial-territorial funding disputes.

Since specialized health, social, and educational services are often unavailable in remote or rural communities, the principle mandates coverage for all associated necessary costs—including travel, meals, and lodging—to ensure substantive equality.

A key requirement is that the government department first contacted must pay for the service without delay, resolving any jurisdictional issues afterward.

The Essential Guide to Funding Hotels, Travel, and Meals

Navigating the process for travel and accommodation funding is straightforward when you know the requirements. Here is a practical guide to a successful request.

A. Eligibility Check: Who is Covered?

The Jordan Principle applies to all First Nations children under the age of majority in their province or territory. This includes children registered under the Indian Act, those eligible for registration, and children recognized by their Nation for the purpose of Jordan's Principle. Eligibility is universal across Canada, whether the child lives on-reserve or off-reserve. The scope of covered needs is wide, encompassing essential services in Health (e.g., medical appointments, surgery), Social (e.g., respite care, mental health therapy), and Education (e.g., specialized schooling, assessments).

B. The Key: When Does Hotel and Travel Funding Apply?

Funding is available when a child must travel outside their home community to access an approved, essential service. This coverage is comprehensive and includes:

• Travel: Mileage, flights, taxi fares, or other ground transportation.
• Accommodation: Necessary hotel stays or short-term rentals.
• Meals: Reasonable food expenses for the child and their essential caregiver(s).

A critical requirement is a Letter of Support from a relevant professional (e.g., doctor, therapist, social worker, or educational expert). This letter must clearly state the child's specific need and explicitly link the necessity of travel and accommodation to accessing the required service.

C. Crucial Document: The Confirmation of Recognition

For a child without a Status Card, a "Confirmation of Recognition" document serves as proof of eligibility. This is a formal letter or form completed by a designated official from the child's First Nation, confirming the child's membership or connection for the purpose of Jordan’s Principle.

D. Supporting Documentation Checklist

To ensure a smooth process, prepare these documents:

• Completed Application Form: Including a detailed breakdown of all anticipated costs (travel, hotel, meals).
• Letter of Support/Recommendation:From a qualified professional, as described above.
• Proof of Eligibility: A copy of the child's Status Card or a Confirmation of Recognition letter.

E. Case Study: Accommodation and Location

The principle funds necessary accommodation, not a specific hotel. For example, if a child must travel to Saskatoon for a specialist appointment at Royal University Hospital, the cost of a suitable hotel, such as the Colonial Square Inn & Suites, for the child and caregiver is an eligible expense. The key is obtaining pre-approval. The Jordan Principle team can often facilitate direct payment to the hotel or reimburse the family, simplifying the process significantly.

Next Steps: Making Your Request and Timing

The Jordan Principle operates under legally mandated deadlines to prevent delays. Urgent requests (where health or safety is at risk) are processed within 12 hours, and non-urgent requests within 48 hours. This principle is available 24/7 across Canada to ensure children receive timely care.

Don't pay out of pocket: Contact the Jordan Principle Call Centre at 1-855-572-4453 (1-855-JP-CHILD) or your regional Service Coordinator today to start your application for hotel and travel funding in Canada.