Patrick Cully's family in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is awaiting a July 18 decision from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regarding continued funding for his five-year-old daughter Scarlet's Level 2 autism therapy under Jordan's Principle. Scarlet, a member of Batchewana First Nation, was denied $217,650 in funding, leading to a Federal Court order for ISC to decide. Concerns exist about ISC's narrow interpretation of Jordan's Principle and a backlog of 140,000 cases, highlighting systemic issues in accessing services for First Nations children.
Thunder Bay, Ont., family who took fight for girl's autism funding to court to learn if it was worth it
CanadaManitobaOntarioSault Ste. MarieIndigenous Services CanadaIndigenous peoplesFirst Nations peopleGeneral newsLegalNational courts
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Patrick Cully's family in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is awaiting a July 18 decision from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regarding continued funding for his five-year-old daughter Scarlet's Level 2 autism therapy under Jordan's Principle. Scarlet, a member of Batchewana First Nation, was denied $217,650 in funding, leading to a Federal Court order for ISC to decide. Concerns exist about ISC's narrow interpretation of Jordan's Principle and a backlog of 140,000 cases, highlighting systemic issues in accessing services for First Nations children.
Trending- 1 February (2025): Operational and eligibility changes to Jordan's Principle announced.
- 2 Mid-May (2025): ISC's appeal committee agrees to provide partial funding ($24,500 + $16,000) for Scarlet.
- 3 June 23 (2025): Federal Court orders ISC to issue a decision by July 18.
- 4 July 11 (2025): Article published, family awaits decision.
- 5 July 18 (2025): Deadline for ISC decision on Scarlet's funding.
- 6 August 1 (2025): Partial funding for Scarlet's therapy ends.
- 7 August 29 (2025): Scarlet's spot in the program held until this date, then she'll be put on a six- to 18-month waitlist.
- Scarlet's continued access to life-changing therapy is uncertain
- Potential halt in Scarlet's developmental progress due to funding gaps and waitlists
- Increased financial burden on families awaiting funding for essential services
- Ongoing debate and scrutiny over Jordan's Principle application process and scope
- Backlog of 140,000 cases at ISC impacting other First Nations children
What: A family's legal fight for autism therapy funding for their daughter under Jordan's Principle.
When: Decision due by July 18, 2025; Federal Court order on June 23, 2025.
Where: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; Batchewana First Nation (Ojibway community east of Sault Ste. Marie).
Why: Indigenous Services Canada denied full funding for Scarlet's applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy, citing no existing government service for full-time ABA, which the family and advocates argue is a narrow interpretation of Jordan's Principle, leading to service gaps and delays.
How: The family pursued an internal appeal process with ISC and then took the case to Federal Court, which ordered ISC to make a decision.