Thunder Bay MP Patty Hajdu Reappointed as ISC Minister Amidst Funding Controversy

THUNDER BAY – On the same day that Thunder Bay MP Patty Hajdu was reappointed as Minister of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), First Nations chiefs in Manitoba held a news conference demanding action on millions of dollars in unpaid Jordan’s Principle services.

Chiefs Say ISC Approvals Were Later Denied

The chiefs claim that Joe Gacheru, the regional ISC Jordan’s Principle coordinator in Manitoba, approved funding verbally and through text messages, instructing communities to “spend, spend, spend.” However, months later, ISC allegedly backtracked, stating that Gacheru did not have the authority to approve the funding.

Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak (Cross Lake) First Nation expressed frustration over the situation:

“They didn’t talk to us for a while, except through emails to say ‘spend, we’re okay.’ Then 11 months later, they said, ‘Oh, I don’t have the mandate to provide the funding for you.’ And then, refused to talk to us.”

Chief Cornell McLean of Lake Manitoba First Nation shared similar concerns:

“We had one person at Indigenous Services Canada make all these decisions, say ‘yes’ to every request, and now millions of dollars are owed back to these organizations.”

Government Response and Pending Legal Action

ISC confirmed that there is a backlog of 25,643 applications for Jordan’s Principle in Manitoba. The department recently ruled that “previous year’s expenditures or deficits that have not previously been approved are not eligible for reimbursement.”

In response, the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) and Dakota Ojibwe Tribal Council (DOTC) are considering launching a judicial review of ISC’s decision, arguing that the government must be held accountable for its promises.

Human Rights Tribunal Calls for Changes

The controversy comes after a January 29 ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT), which raised concerns about Jordan’s Principle funding being used for non-medical expenses such as homes, vehicles, and hockey equipment. The Tribunal urged the federal government to refine the program’s scope.

ISC Minister Hajdu defended the government’s actions, stating:

“Really, I think what we’re asking is what we ask of any other providers – the detailed kind of information that’s necessary to make the decisions at the department level.”

ISC officials also clarified that verbal or text approvals are not considered formal approvals, except in emergencies, where a written decision follows the next day.

Call for Change in Leadership

Chief McLean is now calling for a change in the Indigenous Services Canada leadership:

“We’re deeply concerned, and I call on the new prime minister to put somebody in place who is compassionate about First Nation issues.”

Hajdu was reappointed as ISC Minister by new Prime Minister Mark Carney just after the press conference.