Canadian Human Rights Tribunal: Settlement agreement and long-term reform
The First Nations Child and Family Services, Jordan's Principle and Trout Class Settlement Agreement and updates on long-term program reforms related to the 2016 CHRT ruling
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Long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program
The goal of long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program is to address the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal's (CHRT) 2016 CHRT 2 decision and its subsequent orders by bringing long-term reform to the program to improve the lives and outcomes of families living on-reserve and in the Yukon.
Since the CHRT's 2016 decision, the First Nations Child and Family Services Program has undergone extensive reforms that were developed and implemented in consultation with the Parties to the complaint, namely the Caring Society, the Assembly of First Nations, the Chiefs of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
Canada has made significant financial investments in the First Nations Child and Family Services Program that go beyond the measures ordered by the CHRT since 2016. This includes increasing funding by over 450% to provide First Nations children and families who reside on reserve and in the Yukon with access to culturally-based services that meet their needs and reflect their community circumstances.
In early 2025, Canada signed a Final Agreement with the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation to implement long-term reforms to the program in Ontario. This agreement is currently with the CHRT for its consideration.
On December 22, 2025, the Government of Canada announced $35.5 billion to 2033-34, and an ongoing commitment of $4.4 billion annually after that to advance a new First Nations-led approach to reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
Negotiations for regional agreements
Canada has begun negotiations with First Nations entities towards regional agreements on the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. In line with its plan submitted to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, these negotiations will take place within a national programmatic and funding framework and will be supported by a funding commitment to March 31, 2034.
For more information on negotiations for regional agreements, visit Negotiations for regional agreements to advance long-term reform of First Nations child and family services
First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan's Principle Settlement
On October 24, 2023, the Federal Court of Canada approved the First Nations Child and Family Services, Jordan's Principle, Trout and Kith Class Settlement Agreement. The settlement included $23.34 billion in compensation for First Nations children and families who were harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and those impacted by the federal government's narrow definition of Jordan's Principle.
The agreement was reached between the Assembly of First Nations, the Moushoom and Trout class actions plaintiffs and Canada, with the support of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.
The Claims Period for the Removed Child Class and Removed Child Family Class opened on March 10, 2025. The other seven classes will open in phases.
As the settlement is First Nations-led, the design and implementation of the claims process is overseen by the Settlement Implementation Committee, comprised of 2 First Nations members and 3 counsel members representing the classes, assisted by the third-party administrator. The Federal Court has appointed Deloitte as the third-party administrator responsible for implementing the settlement.
More information about the settlement and the claims process is available to Class Members through the settlement website, First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan's Principle Settlement. Class Members who have questions about the settlement can also contact the administrator at 1-833-852-0755.
Stay up to date with the latest news related to the settlement and access tools to navigate the Claims Process: Resources | First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan's Principle Settlement.
Available health and cultural support services
Health and cultural support services are available for those affected by the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan's Principle Settlement, regardless of Indigenous status or place of residence within Canada.
To learn more, visit First Nations Child and Family Services, and Jordan's Principle Settlement Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Services.
Related links
- Timeline: Jordan's Principle and First Nations Child and Family Services Reform
- First Nations Child and Family Services Program
- First Nations Child and Family Services, and Jordan's Principle Settlement Agreement Support Services
- Post-majority support services for First Nations youth and young adults
- First Nation Representative Services information
- Prevention services for First Nations, authorized service providers, and delegated First Nation agencies
- Funding for capital assets
- Jordan's Principle