Social Assistance
Overview
The Social Assistance Department of the Moose Cree First Nation provides assistance to eligible applicants of the Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Acts. To be eligible for social assistance from the Moose Cree First Nation Social Assistance Department, an applicant must be residing on the First Nation reserve and must be deemed to be financially in need according to social assistance rates. For those applicants who are not First Nation members they must apply for "temporary residency" which is granted by the Moose Cree First Nation Chief and Council, before they are considered eligible for social assistance. "Temporary residency" is permission from the Chief and Council to live on reserve.
Social Assistance is issued to those in financial need, may it be single people, families with one or two parents and/or children in temporary (foster) care. Social assistance is further divided into two categories; regular and discretionary benefits. Regular benefits include basic needs (food & clothing), shelter (hydro & rent), and northern allowance (to accommodate the higher cost of living in the north). Discretionary benefits include coverage for items that are considered health related such as travel for medical appointments, wheelchairs, diabetic supplies, funeral coverage, etc. The discretionary benefit is issued in addition to regular benefits when deemed necessary.
The Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program Acts and regulations, in conjunction with Moose Cree First Nation Policies, govern the issuance of social assistance.
The funding agencies of our Social Assistance Department are Indian and Northern Affairs Canda (INAC) and the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS).
Social Assistance Committee
The Social Assistance Department falls under the Social Assistance Committee, which consists of two (2) Councilors and three (3) Band Members and is accountable to Chief and Council through the Chief Executive Officer. The purpose of the committee is to analyze issues involving social assistance, develop alternatives and make recommendations to Chief and Council. The Social Assistance Committee meetings are held on a monthly basis or as the need arises.
Social Assistance Committee for the term 2005 - 2008
Doreen Blackned, Councilor
Vacant, Councilor
Mildred Dick, Band Member
Gail Tomatuk, Band Member
Valerie Chakasim, Band Member
Contact
Director of Social Assistance
Norma McComb
norma.mccomb@moosecree.com
Administrative Assistant/Caseworker
Edna Sutherland
edna.sutherland@moosecree.com
Caseworker
Hayley Cheechoo
hayley.cheechoo@moosecree.com
Finance Clerk/Secretary
Sandra Innes
sandra.innes@moosecree.com