Seniors Emergency Home Repair Program (2)

[Funds Exhausted] Qalipu First Nation Launches Seniors Emergency Home Repair Assistance Program

Posted by Qalipu on

Qalipu First Nation Housing Division is pleased to announce the launch of the Seniors Emergency Home Repair Assistance Program, designed to help senior homeowners safely remain in their homes during urgent situations. The program provides financial support for critical home repairs that, if left unaddressed, could make a home unsafe or unlivable.

The program provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance for critical repairs. It is open to Qalipu First Nation members aged 55 and older living in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants must submit all required supporting documentation, and it is strongly recommended that all applicants and co-applicants review the application in its entirety to ensure that it is complete before submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

To qualify, applicants combined annual household net income must not exceed the following:

Number of Persons in the Household Combined Income Eligibility
1 Person $51,000
2 Persons $88,674
3 Persons $120,966
4 Persons $148,474
5 Persons $154,454

Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be accepted until all program funding is exhausted.

Applications and full program details can be found here: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Qalipu-Seniors-Emergency-Home-Repair-Assistance-Program-Application.pdf

For questions or help completing your application, our housing team is available by phone at 709-634-0996 or by email at housingproject@qalipu.ca.

Council Meeting Report March 2024-1-May 21

Council Meeting Report – May 21, 2025

Posted by Qalipu on

Meeting of Chief and Council

Chief and Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Saturday, May 21 in the Qalipu Community Room in Corner Brook.

Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy

Council brought forward the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy for adoption. This policy aligns with the Canada Labour Code and reflects the national standard. It will form part of the ongoing review and update of the Human Resources Policies.

Motion was carried.

Standing Committee – Appointment of Members-at-Large

Qalipu First Nation’s standing committees include staff, Ward Councilors, and member-at-large who provide independent oversight and support. Appointments were made for several committees with reference checks ongoing for others. The call for members-are-large for the Environment & Natural Resources Committee has closed and applications are being reviewed.

Motion was carried.

Housing Wellness Counsellor

The Department of Health and Wellness proposed a new Housing Wellness Counsellor role to assist members facing housing and mental health challenges.

Motion was carried.

Amendments to Council Policy

The Finance and Audit Committee proposed changes to update the Council Policy to better suit the growing duties of Ward Councilors.

The first change allows Councilors to hold ward meetings in communities at least 60 km away from their home base. This aims to improve representation and community engagement in remote areas.

The second change revises the per diem policy. It increases the rate and introduces tiered compensation for Councilors attending multiple meetings in one day, up to three meetings.

Motion was carried.

Financial updates

An update was provided on the 2023-2024 financial statements. Review and approval of the April 1, 2023, opening balances are pending as part of regular oversight. Statements will then be brought to council for approval. Once approved, the 2024-2025 audit can begin, with completion expected by end of July.

Once this process is complete, all outstanding audits will be fully up to date. This marks a significant step forward in maintaining strong financial reporting and transparency.

Service member agreement update

Chief Jenny reported that Canada has reached out post-federal election to resume discussions. She emphasized that Qalipu remains eager to finalize the agreement, a sentiment that was strongly supported by Councillors.

Band manger update

Wigwam Point

The Town of Peterview has officially approved moving forward. Planned work in the area includes site cleanup, the creation of walking trails, and capturing drone footage to assist in identifying potential grave sites, some of which may include buried or underground headstones.

Performance Review tool

A new system is being developed to better monitor employee performance and support continuous improvement.

New Director of Finance

A new Director of Finance has been hired and is quickly getting up to speed. He has contributed valuable insight into the financial audit process. Charles and Council offered a warm welcome and expressed their confidence in his abilities.

Council remarks

All members of council have been actively engaged in their roles, including Chief Jenny and our Vice Chiefs, who have been attending various meetings and conferences regionally and nationally. Participation helps build relationships, keeps us informed on emerging developments, and ensures Qalipu has a voice at key decision-making tables where the interests of our members can be represented.

You can look forward to seeing your Councilors at events throughout the summer, as well as at upcoming Ward Councilor meetings. Councilor Holly Muise will be holding a meeting in the St. George’s Ward on June 26, and we encourage members in her ward to attend and take part in the conversation.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held virtually on July 30, 2025.

Election 2024-11-St Georges by election winner

Election Results: By-Election for St. George’s Ward Councillor

Posted by Qalipu on

The voting window for the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Council By-Election for the St. George’s Ward Councilor closed at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

The elected councillor will serve a four-year term on council. Following a 30-day appeal period, as outlined in the Custom Rules governing Qalipu elections, the new councillor for the St. George’s Ward will be officially sworn in and take office.

Custom Election Rules be found here on the website Election Hub: https://qalipu.ca/qalipu-election-hub/

For inquiries, please contact:
Reisha Knott
Electoral Officer
rknott@qalipu.ca
709-486-2427

VOTE COUNT - SUMMARY ST. GEORGES BYELECTION

Election 2024-13-Election Day by election

Election Day: By-Election for St. George’s Ward Councilor

Posted by Qalipu on

The voting window for the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Council By-Election for the St. George’s Ward Councilor is open until 8:00 p.m. this evening.

Need to locate your voter information package?
✅ Check your email (if you have an active and valid email listed in your KINU membership profile). If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your junk folder.
✅ Check your postage mail (if your KINU profile has your full, accurate, and current home address).
❗ If you haven’t received your package, please contact the By-Election Helpdesk at 1-833-579-5673.

The Qalipu By-Election Helpdesk is open to assist you!
Today, March 26 – the final voting day – the helpdesk is available from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For any further questions, contact:
Reisha Knott
Electoral Officer
📧 rknott@qalipu.ca
📞 709-486-2427

 

Council Meeting Report March 2024-1-March 22

Council Meeting Report – March 22, 2025

Posted by Qalipu on

The Qalipu Chief and Council met on Saturday, March 22, for their regularly scheduled meeting in Corner Brook.

Budget Approval for 2025-2026

The focus of the meeting was to review and approve the Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and budgets for all departments, aligning with the 10-year Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP).

The proposed budget was approved, and the motion was carried.

Read the Comprehensive Community Plan here: https://qalipu.ca/comprehensive-community-plan/

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Annual Operating Plan

  • Health & Wellness:
    • Expand staff and resources for NIHB services.
    • Improve membership access to mental health counseling.
    • Provide mental wellness programs and on-the-land experiences.
    • Explore housing options for members.
    • Support infrastructure development, including Wigwam Point and other traditional sites.
  • Education, Training & Community Development:
    • Continue the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.
    • Provide youth with opportunities to enhance their career development and employment goals through career exploration, job placements, business creation, and workplace skills training.
    • Pursue partnerships and initiatives to support training and employment opportunities.
    • Increase the frequency of targeted training in traditional and high-demand sectors.
    • Develop and maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders.
    • Continue to support tourism businesses through Experience Qalipu.
    • Provide learning opportunities and training sessions for members.
  • Environment & Natural Resources:
    • Conduct patrols under the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program.
    • Continue research and monitoring around species at risk, including little brown bats, piping plovers, and pine marten.
    • Work with groups focused on species and habitat conservation.
  • Finance:
    • Ensure all pertinent staff are trained on the new accounting software.
    • Provide monthly reports to directors and managers.
    • Conduct a budget planning session with key stakeholders.
    • Create a Compliance Officer position.
  • Executive Office:
    • Review QFN by-laws and policies.
    • Develop an infrastructure plan pending available funding.
    • Investigate the possibility of a tax exemption for members.
    • Continue discussions regarding fishing rights for members.
    • Strengthen relationships with other First Nations across the country.
    • Identify funding for a communications strategy and website redevelopment.
  • Operations:
    • Strengthen IT security and develop online member forms.
    • Implement cybersecurity training for staff.
    • Provide in-person Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) application assistance.
    • Engage summer students in updating KINU profiles.

Organizational Chart Updates

Aligning with the AOPs, several new positions have been created, including:

  • Assistant Director of Health & Wellness
  • Cultural Wellness Facilitator
  • Compensation & Benefits Officer
  • Compliance Officer

To expand capacity, an additional Mental Wellness Outreach Officer and Early Childhood Educator have been added, as well as an NIHB Administrative Assistant. Some roles have been renamed to better align with the evolving needs of the departments.

Additionally, cultural staff have been reassigned to the Health & Wellness Department, integrating wellness and cultural practices. Community development staff have transitioned to the Education & Training Department, emphasizing learning and career development opportunities.

QFN now employs nearly 90 full-time staff, exceeding 100 with seasonal and contractual employees.

The organizational chart was approved as presented, and the motion was carried.

Band Manager Update

The Band Manager reported that policy reviews are ongoing, and he provided an update on the 2023-2024 audited financial statements.

The delay in the 2023-24 financials is due to the implementation of a new accounting software that caused several challenges. The glitches in the software have been identified, and the system is now stable and working as it should. The audit is ongoing, and work is also being done on the current year’s audit. The goal is to have the 2024-2025 financials ready for Council’s approval on time in July.

Next Council Meeting

The next Council meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2025, in Corner Brook.

Election 2024-3-by election - Call for nominations

Notice of Call for Nominations- Band Council By-Election

Posted by Qalipu on

Opening Monday, February 24 at 9:00am and closing on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 2:00pm

In accordance with the Custom Rules Governing Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Elections, nominations are invited for the position of St. George’s Ward Councilor.

Nomination forms are available for printable download here or below at;

  • By contacting the Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott, at 709-486-2427 or by email at rknott@qalipu.ca
  • Pick up at any Qalipu First Nation Band Office (St. George’s, Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaw Museum, 183 Main Street)

Nomination papers are to be submitted with a non-refundable fee of $25.00 in the form of money order, band draft, cheque or cash.

Completed nomination forms and fee must be returned and in the possession of:

Qalipu First Nation
3 Church Street
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4

No later than 2:00pm on the 4th day of March 2024.

and will be considered filed with the Electoral Officer for the purpose of the Band By-Election during the voting window, opening March 12 at 8:00am through to March 26 at 8:00pm.

Members of the St. George’s electoral ward can view the Electoral Voters List via the Qalipu.ca Election Hub to confirm their eligibility of candidacy or;

  • By contacting the Electoral Officer, Reisha Knott, at 709-486-2427 or by email at rknott@qalipu.ca
  • Walk-in at any Qalipu First Nation Band Office (St. George’s, Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaw Museum, 183 Main Street)

 

Reisha Knott

Electoral Officer
E: rknott@qalipu.ca
T: 709-486-2427

Council Meeting Report March 2024-1-Feb15

Council Meeting Report – February 15, 2025

Posted by Qalipu on

Meeting of Chief and Council

The first official meeting of the newly elected Qalipu First Nation Chief and Council was held virtually on Saturday, February 15th, 2025.

Beothuk Repatriation Committee Appointment

During the last council term, Central Vice-Chief Andy Barker was the QFN representative on the Final Resting Place Committee with the Rooms NL. A motion was put forward to council to reappoint Andy Barker to this committee.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Committee Appointments

The first meeting of the newly elected Chief and Council involves the appointment of the Chief and councilors to external committees.

Frank Skeard, Glenwood Ward Councilor will continue his work on the NMCA South Coast Fjords committee. Calvin Francis, Gander Bay Ward Councilor and Ivan White Sr, Flat Bay Ward Councilor were appointed to the MAMKA external committee while Miranda Osmond, Stephenville Ward Councilor was appointed to the Summer Games external committee. The external committee for Off-Shore Wind will be filled by the St. George’s Ward Councilor.

Chief Jenny Brake will sit on several committees within the Assembly of First Nations; the National Fisheries Committee, Economic Development Committee, Chief’s Committee on Charter Renewal and is proxy on the Women’s Committee. Chief Brake is also on the Atlantic Policy Congress Special Working Group, the RCMP Commanding Officers Advisory Committee, and the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee with Proxy Vice-Chief Colleen Paul. She is a Canadian Seals and Sealing Network Ambassador and sits on the Atlantic Seal Advisory Committee.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Band Council Procedures

The Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Council Procedures has been updated for approval of council.

The updates to this document are to ensure that meetings are conducted in an efficient and respectful manner, ensuring that this new council understands their roles, responsibilities and expectations.

All were in favor and this motion was carried.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

The updated Code of Conduct and Ethics was reviewed by councilors prior to the meeting.

Councilors commented that as elected officials the Code of Conduct and Ethics is holding each other accountable, and they are being respectful of one another, our employees and our members when representing the Nation.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

By-Election Date for the St. George’s Ward Councilor

During the 2024 election of Chief and Council there was no candidate for position of St. George’s Ward Councilor. All were in favor of the motion to proceed with a by-election for this position.

The call for nominations will be on February 24 at 9:00am until March 4 at 2:00pm.

An election will be called if there is more then one candidate running for the position. Voting will be set to open on March 12 at 8:00am until March 26 at 8:00pm.

We strongly suggest members ensure their mailing and email addresses is correct on their KINU membership profile. If members have any issues or need assistance in updating their information, please contact a QFN office and staff will assist you.

Canada Pension Plan Application

A motion was put forward to council to approve the ‘Application to Cover the Employment of an Indian under the Canda Pension Plan whose Income is Exempt under the Income Tax Act’ which is to ensure that all employees within Qalipu First Nation have the option to take Canada Pension Plan upon retirement.

All were in favor and the motion was carried.

Band Managers Report

The Band Manager provided an update on the 2023-2024 financial statements. The delay in these financials have been due to the implementation of a new accounting software that has caused several challenges, these issues are not uncommon during this process. The new software is now working correctly with additional monitoring tools in place going forward.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held in Corner Brook on March 22nd, 2025.

Council Meeting Report sept 21

Council Meeting Report – September 21, 2024

Posted by Qalipu on

Meeting of Chief and Council

The Qalipu Chief and Council met in Corner Brook on Saturday, September 21 for their regular schedule meeting. This meeting was the last meeting for the current council before the Band Council Election.

Financial Report

With the transition to a new accounting software, there are some delays getting the accounts to balance therefore delays in getting the 2023-2034 fiscal year financial reports completed. The Director of Finance has been working diligently with the auditors to rectify this issue and to have the financial reports prepared. A motion was prepared for the Director of Finance with direction to create a draft financial report for council to review the following day. The motion was carried.

Referendum Question

A briefing note was brought to council at the previous meeting which included some recommended revisions to the Custom Election Rules. These revisions would be asking candidates to provide a Criminal Record Check or Vulnerable Sector Check when running for an election.  At the previous meeting, the motion was not carried as council felt they needed more time for discussion and clarification. The motion to accept the briefing note wasn’t accepted during this meeting either as council felt that there wasn’t enough time before the election as the call for nominations was set for the following week.

Committee Updates

Councilors provided committee updates for Education and Training, Health and Wellness and Environment and Natural Resources. A motion was made to ensure the Department of Natural Resources hire two River Guardians for the Exploits River. All councilors were in favor of this motion.

Band Managers Report

The Band Council Election was set to start the week following the meeting. A motion was made to approve the hiring of the Electoral Officer for the election period. The motion was carried.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regular scheduled meeting will be the first meeting of the newly elected Chief and Council. Date for this meeting is to be determined.

Council Meeting Report July-2024

Council Meeting Report – July 20, 2024

Posted by Qalipu on

Meeting of Chief and Council

The Qalipu Chief and Council met in Corner Brook on Saturday, July 20 for their regular scheduled meeting.

All but 3 councillors that had been excused were in attendance for the meeting.

Change to Quorum

A briefing note was brought forward to Council to approve a motion which would make an amendment to section 7.0 of Qalipu Band Council Procedures. The recommendation in this briefing note was to change quorum from 7 members to 5 members.

A great deal of discussion evolved from this note and councillors decided that it is important to have a larger majority to make decisions. It was decided to maintain a quorum of 7 members.

All were opposed on this motion; it was not carried.

Referendum Question for September Vote

Staff of QFN worked with the legal council to recommend some revisions to the Custom Election Rules.  Main topic of these revisions was asking candidates to provide a Criminal Record Check or Vulnerable Sector Check when running for an election.

After considerable conversation on this topic, a motion was made to table the discussion until further clarification can be provided.

Consecutive Absences from Council

A briefing note was presented due to the issue of attendance for regular scheduled meetings of Chief and Council.

Currently Council does not have measures to hold an absent member accountable. Section 6.2 of the General By-Laws does not give clear direction on how to address the issue of 3 consecutive absences. The intention of the briefing note was to establish a mechanism to hold council members accountable.

This topic was also a provision brought to council in the referendum question, as this referendum vote extends the power to council with the ability to remove a Councillor if they do not attend 3 consecutive regular schedule meetings.

Amendments were made to the motion with conditions of communication for council members.

All were in favor of the motion with the amendments. Motion was carried.

Health & Wellness Strategic Plan

Council reviewed the 2024-2029 Health & Wellness Strategic Plan. All agreed that the plan was very well done, and they are proud of the hard work done by the health department regarding increasing opportunities and reducing wait times for claims within NIHB.

This strategic plan is a living document that will change over time, it can be amended as priorities change.

All were in favor of accepting the Health & Wellness Strategic Plan, motion was carried.

AGA Dates

There was discussion and dates proposed for the AGA.

A motion was made to bring this decision back to staff and executive. All were in favor.

Upcoming Election

Dates are set for the upcoming election.

The call for nominations opens on September 23 at 8:30am and closes on October 1 at 4:00pm.

Members can vote electronically or over the phone during the voting window with a secure code that will be provided to them by email or letter mail.

The voting window is from October 18-25 with results announced in the afternoon of October 25.

Next Meeting of Council

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Chief and Council is the last meeting before the end of term for current Chief and Councillors. This meeting will be held in Corner Brook on September 21st, 2024.