Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, Bear Witness Day, observed each year on May 10, honours Jordan River Anderson and his family, and calls for the implementation of Jordan’s Principle.

Jordan River Anderson was a First Nations child from Norway House in Manitoba. Born in 1999 with complex medical needs, he was hospitalized from birth.

Despite being medically cleared to leave at age two, Jordan remained in the hospital for more than two years, while federal and provincial governments fought over the costs of his at-home care.

He died in 2005 at age five, never getting to live at home with his family. Jordan’s story led to Jordan’s Principle — a movement to ensure that all First Nations children have substantively equal access to the services required to meet their unique needs, and face no delays, denials or disruptions stemming from systemic inequities or jurisdictional disputes so they can remain happy, healthy and safe.

Today, 26 years later, Jordan’s Principle has evolved into a legally binding obligation of the Government of Canada, but implementation remains deeply flawed.

A severe crisis emerged in 2025, characterized by massive backlogs, stricter requirements, shrinking coverage and funding cuts, causing substantial delays and denials, fueling ongoing advocacy and legal battles.

Each year, around May 10, we mark Bear Witness Day to highlight and combat the failure to properly implement Jordan’s Principle and its consequences.

This year is particularly special because last February, this chamber adopted a motion to officially recognize this date.

On Friday, in partnership with the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, I am joining Senators Audette, Boyer, Harder, Karetak-Lindell, Klyne, McCallum and Senior to host an event on Parliament Hill. Students from nearby communities, including Kitigan Zibi, will be in attendance. Colleagues, I hope you can join us, and, if not, find other ways to participate.

This week, and year-round, people — young children to older adults — come together in support of First Nations children and their families, and look to political leaders on Parliament Hill and across Canada to deliver change.

In 2007, the House of Commons promised to support Jordan’s Principle and called on the Government of Canada to do the same. That promise, long unmet, is now our responsibility.

Wela’lin. Thank you.