Kashechewan pauses youth suicide prevention program funding

A health organization in Kashechewan First Nation, Ontario, has been forced to pause its youth suicide-prevention program due to changes in Jordan's Principle by the federal government. This decision raises concerns about the potential increase in suicide risk among local youth, according to several experts. Christopher Thind, the executive director of the health services board, expressed shock and fear about the impacts of the pause on the community. About 1,000 young people will lose access to crucial mental health support when the program, called Choose Life, halts on April 1. The initiative, active since 2017, aims to provide resources for youth facing mental health challenges. Jordan's Principle is a legal framework designed to ensure Indigenous children receive necessary government-funded services without racial discrimination. Recent changes to the program were announced in February, citing a need for a more sustainable funding approach amid a backlog of applications. Kashechewan Health Services stated that these new directions will disrupt essential care, as the initiative has relied entirely on Jordan's Principle funding. Dr. Daniel Bierstone, a pediatrician who works in the region, condemned the program's suspension. He fears that these changes will deepen a crisis already marked by various challenges, including annual flooding and water contamination. He highlighted the risk that youth may feel abandoned without trusted mental health workers. Other health professionals and organizations, including the Canadian Paediatric Society and the Assembly of First Nations, have raised alarms about these disruptions. They stress that the lack of clear information regarding funding adds to the stress in the communities. Indigenous Services Canada has stated that new requests will still be approved under Jordan's Principle but has not provided specific details about the funding allocation for the upcoming year. Community leaders continue to advocate for clarity and support to ensure the health and safety of Indigenous youth.