Question: My receipt does not have a receipt number. Can I still use it?

 

Answer: We require all invoices, receipts to have a unique identification number (Receipt Number/Invoice Number). These unique numbers allow us to identify invoices/receipts that have already been reimbursed or outstanding.  This is a requirement of all departments within QFN. It ensures accountability.

Question: Why is there any age limit of 13 on the QFN Essential Worker Childcare program?

 

Answer: The program is modeled after a NL program: Essential Worker Child Care Service.  At the time of proposal this program was ending, and we noted a need to continue the support. We adapted the programs to meet our community needs.

Question: I’m rotational worker or I work one week and am off another. How does the Essential Worker Childcare help me?

 

Answer: If your employer deems you an essential worker. Have your employer identify the weeks that you are required to report to the worksite.   The program is designed to support members that are required to report to work and can not work from home.

Question: Can I access the QFN Essential Worker Childcare program while I’m on Employment Insurance, Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefits, Canada Recovery Sickness Benefits, maternity, parental, medical, or other types of leaves?

 

Answer: No, as you are on leave from your employment.  The program eligibility is for members who are required to report to work and have been deemed essential to the employers operations.

Question: I’m just finding out about the QFN Vulnerable Population Essential Transportation Reimbursement Program. Can I apply for past months, is it retroactive?

 

Answer: Unfortunately, no. As the pandemic level changes and we move into the next wave(s) of Covid-19, we need to ensure that QFN seniors are supported by having financial barriers reduced relating to accessing essential supplies.  Therefore, there is an option for $50 travel subsidy and prearranged shuttle/taxi service. To ensure accessibility, the program is designed to support seniors monthly.

Question: I do not have a Band number (034XXXXXXX), but I have Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada file number. Can I use that to access the QFN COVID-19 programs?

 

Answer: If we can not validate your Band Membership, we can not provide support under these programs. Both the Essential Worker Childcare and Vulnerable Population Essential Transportation Reimbursement Program are for members only, in Canada. This is part of the funding requirement.

Question: I applied online. I’m mailing the application too.

 

Answer: We ask that members do not do this as it will increase the volume of applications, and the application will be flagged as a duplicate.   We encourage members to submit online.

Question: The paper application says a signature is required, while the online applications does not.  Why?

 

Answer: By submitting online, you are declaring and authorizing QFN to process your application.  This includes auditing. Your authorization allows us to collect information from you (including receipts) for services provided to you. The release of any records that are relevant to the processing and payment of this claim to Qalipu First Nation, it is agents or contractors, or Regulatory Body. You’re declaring the information that you submit online to be true and accurate and verifying that it does not contain a claim for any benefit or service previously paid for by Qalipu First Nation or by any other plan(s)/program(s) that is noted in the statement or explanations of benefits.

Question: I didn’t submit an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form when I applied for benefits, and Qalipu does not have my direct deposit information on file from a previous transaction.  Where should I send the form now if I want to receive my benefits?

 

Answer: If we do not have EFT information on file for you and you did not include it in your application, we will send a cheque in the mail.

Question: I submitted my application and I want to know if you received it.  I called/sent an email and have not received confirmation that you received my application.  What’s going on?

 

Answer: We have received thousands of applications and do not have enough staff resources to search for individual applications.  This means we are not able to provide verification of received applications.  When you apply online, you will know your application was received by the confirmation message that reads Thank you, your message has been sent.

Question: I don’t have access to a computer or internet.  How can I apply for these benefits?

 

Answer: Since our office locations are closed, we encourage you to ask someone in your family or a friend to help fill out the form online on your behalf.   Many seniors have applied for the travel benefit this way.

 

If you are unable to do this, you can request a form be mailed to you by calling 634-5163 and leaving a message.  We will respond as quickly as resources permit.

Question: Do I have to apply every month for the seniors travel benefit?

 

Answer: Yes.  Applications for February do not carry forward beyond this month and so on.  You must apply each month.

Question: Do I have to pay taxes on these benefits?

 

Answer: No.  The travel benefit for seniors is like a reimbursement; it goes through Accounts Payable, does not require a SIN and does not lead to the generation of a T4.

 

We are unsure at this time whether members will be taxed on the childcare benefit.  Once we receive a response from the Canada Revenue Agency, we will post an update.

Question: Will there be opportunities to apply for these benefits later?

 

Answer: We have a limited amount of money for these benefits currently, however we are seeking additional funds.  We know that the demand for these benefits is there, and now that the program has been established, we will be working with our partners in seeking additional funds to carry this program for a longer period of time.

Question: When will I receive my payment?

 

Answer: We are working to keep things moving and aim to process payment within 6-8 weeks of receipt of your application.

Question: Can I submit my application for the Essential Worker Childcare Benefit now, and submit the supporting documents (like the confirmation from my employer) later?

 

Answer: No.  Please submit your complete application. Partially complete applications will be rejected.

Question: For the Essential Worker Childcare Benefit, can I submit one receipt for the whole year or do I need a receipt for each month?

 

Answer: Yes, you can submit a receipt for the whole year.  Please ensure that the name on the receipt matches the name of the applicant, that it shows the date(s) for which the service was provided, the name of the provider, the date of the receipt, and has an invoice number.

Question: I realized after I sent my application that I made an error or forgot to attach something.  Can I submit this now?

 

Answer: No, due to the high volume of applications and limited staff resources we cannot accept incomplete or incorrect applications and go looking for the other information.  Incomplete applications will be rejected.  You will still be able to apply again.

Qalipu First Nation is pleased to share the document that will help guide the ongoing development of programs and services the Band provides to its members.  The new ten-year comprehensive Strategic Plan has been finalized and is now available to view on our website.

The plan was developed and refined with input from staff, Chief and Council and the membership.   Band Chief Brendan Mitchell noted, “A collaborative approach in the development of this plan was essential in ensuring a broad and balanced view of our members’ needs and our shared vision for the future of our Nation.”

The Strategic Plan will provide direction for Chief and Council, as well as staff, as they plan for future development in the areas of member services, education and training, communications, culture and heritage, environmental stewardship, economic development, and operational excellence.

Please {click here} to view the new Strategic Plan.

Call For Video Submissions:
Looking for Former Outdoor Education Camp Participants!

Qalipu First Nation is producing a short promotional video for the Outdoor Education Killdevil Camp Program. If you were a past participant of this amazing program (in grade 5 or 8 from 1998-2019) we want to include you! We are looking for one-minute videos of you telling us YOUR CAMP EXPERIENCE. Just follow the filming instructions and submit your video files by Wednesday, March 24th.

All entries will be placed in a draw for amazing prize packages that promote getting out and enjoying the great outdoors!

1st prize =     Family Adventure Package consisting of: a 4-person tent; 2 double sleeping pads; a camp stove; kitchen set; lantern; first aid kit; guidebook on camping with kids; and a Gros Morne family seasonal park pass. Valued at $1400.

2^nd prize =     1-person Adventure Package consisting of: a backpack; sleeping bag; compass; head lamp; kitchen kit; water bottle; fire starter; whistle; first aid kit; and a Gros Morne Seasonal Park Pass. Valued at $450.

3^rd prize =     A Gros Morne family seasonal park pass and a camping with kids guidebook. Valued at $75.

What to say in your video:
First, introduce yourself, giving your first name (and last if you’d like) and the year you were in grade 5 or 8 and went to camp. You can then answer all or several of the following questions:

1. What was your favourite thing to do during the Outdoor Education Program?
2. What was the experience like being away from home with your friends/classmates?
3. What was your most memorable moment at camp? Or, what did camp mean to you?
4. What do you think the Outdoor Education Program brings to the education system (camp vs. school)?
5. What do you remember learning about Mi’kmaq Culture?
6. How did Killdevil complement Indigenous education in schools?
7. Was the Outdoor Education Program the first time you experienced Gros Morne National Park?  Did it inspire you to go back?
8. Do you remember learning about forests in Gros Morne National Park? Or, what do you remember most about being in Gros Morne National Park?
9. How did the Outdoor Education program influence your perspective on the environment and appreciation of the outdoors?

How to film your video:
We would like you to film on your smartphone. People can pair up and film each other: one the Cameraperson and interviewer, the other the Interviewee. Or you can also set up your phone and film yourself. Please keep the filming distance to about 3 feet apart.

LIGHTS!
Make sure there are no windows behind the Interviewee, or else the footage will have white, blown-out backgrounds. Ideally, they would have some light source on their face such as from a window or desk lamp.

ROLL SOUND!
The best tip for having good audio is avoid any sort of distracting background noise. Try to record in a relatively quiet place but avoid the echo of an enclosed room as well.

ROLL CAMERA!
The Cameraperson should hold the phone in landscape mode. The camera should be eye level with the person talking. The Cameraperson should use both hands to grip the smart phone, and keep their elbows close to their body to keep the shot as steady as possible. When ready to shoot, the Cameraperson should tap the Interviewees face on the smart phone screen to focus and lock exposure.

If you record yourself, be sure to have your phone set up in a sturdy location at eye level and in landscape mode. You can do test shots to see how it looks. Be sure to review the footage to make sure it looks good.

Notes to keep in mind:

• Be enthusiastic and positive! Humor is a plus
• Restate the question in answers.
• Try to keep it no longer than 1 min.
• Film in *visually appealing* locations. i.e. no people, mess, or other distractions in the background.
• Feel free to just use your first name. We will only use your contact information to get in touch if we have further questions for you or are having trouble with the video files you provided.

How to Upload your Video:
When finished with your video, please email to: cbrett@qalipu.ca

If you have any other video footage or photos from when you were in camp – feel free to upload as well! Be sure to distinguish these with file names. We may use your photos in our video (blurring out any faces of other campers for privacy reasons).

Usage Agreement
Please note that while we will include as many voices as we can, not everyone will make it into the final cut of the video.

Once you submit a video, you will be sent a release form. Please fill-out and sign this form and return via email on a computer. *Please note that the release form may not be fillable on your smart phone: a laptop or desktop may be needed.

This project is created by Qalipu First Nation to promote the Outdoor Education Program which is operated in partnership with Parks Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, and the Killdevil Camp and Conference Centre

The Band has received $2,565,171 in total funding for various purposes to support people and communities through the Covid-19 pandemic.  Following is a summary of past and ongoing initiatives put in place by the Band to support our membership.

Qalipu First Nation Covid-19 Relief Fund (first round) $52,975 received from Indigenous Services Canada topped up with an additional $22,625 supplied by Chief and Council on behalf of Qalipu First Nation.  These funds have been fully allocated to 14 Indigenous community groups with $5,400 each which were in turn distributed to individuals in the form of food hampers, sanitation supplies, personal protective equipment, and other needs in some 25 communities.  Click here to view the list of recipients of this fund.

Qalipu First Nation Covid-19 Relief Fund (second round) $51,484 received from Indigenous Services Canada.  These funds have been fully allocated to 11 Indigenous community groups with $5,100 each which were in turn distributed throughout their communities in the form of food hampers, sanitation supplies, personal protective equipment and other needs.  Click here to view the list of recipients of this fund.

Qalipu First Nation Covid-19 Relief Fund (third round) $51,484 received on January 27, 2021.  Details on the allocation of this fund will be released soon, please keep an eye on our website for information.

Qalipu First Nation Small Business Support Grant: $150,000 in funding provided by Indigenous Services Canada was distributed as non-repayable grants of up to $10,000 per eligible member-owned business.  In total, 23 small businesses were recipients of this grant money.  This fund has been fully allocated.

Community Emergency Response Fund for Urban and Off Reserve: $678,311 in funding received from Indigenous Services Canada for Qalipu’s proposal to develop and distribute vulnerable population kits, supply travel benefits for seniors, and provide childcare subsidies for essential workers.  This fund also provides for the employees needed to administer benefits.  To date, one Project Coordinator and three additional support staff have been hired to administer benefits, and applications are currently being accepted for a portion of this fund which is available to seniors aged 60+ and essential workers with childcare costs.  Please click here to access this benefit fund.

Post-Secondary Student Support Fund for Qalipu Students: $1,555,917 in student funding was used for summer student work placements and to sponsor students for Intercession/Summer Session and additional students for the Fall/Winter semesters.  Apply for funding with Qalipu here.

New Horizons for Seniors: $25,000 received from Employment and Social Development Canada has been dispersed buying iPad’s to be made available on loan to seniors participating in virtual workshops.

The Band will continue to work with its partners and various agencies to access funding to support our membership through this challenging time.  Please keep an eye on our website www.qalipu.ca where all the latest news and developments are shared daily.