Qalipu First Nation wishes to advise Band members that funds under the COVID-19 Seniors Essential Travel Benefit have now been fully allocated.  Processing of electronic funds transfer and checks is ongoing and successful applicants should continue to see their funds arrive within he coming weeks.

Please note, some applications that arrived in May will not be issued payment as funds were exhausted before all applications could be processed.  These and any further applications that are received will be kept in the que and will be processed for payment should additional funds become available.

In total, $251,700 was processed for payment with the Seniors Essential Travel Benefit.  The COVID-19 Support Team responded to approximately 6866 electronic requests for support, and close to 2500 phone inquiries.

The Band thanks all those who applied and looks forward to further opportunities to offer community support.

NL Hydro will be conducting a herbicide application program on transmission and distribution line right-of-ways, access roads, penstocks and dams Summer 2021. We would like to hear from members if they have any concerns regarding this proposed work. We welcome you to contact our Manager of Environment & Natural Resources at ahunter@qalipu.ca or call 634-1500.

Vegetation Management at Hydro: What you should know about herbicide use | Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro (nlhydro.com)

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As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our members have had to adapt to a new virtual world; gatherings, workshops and face-to-face is now often conducted online. To support our membership, the Band will host a random draw to give away 118 Lenovo Tab M10 FHD Plus (2^nd Gen). These devices will enable our members to easily access such things as virtual mental health counselling, virtual cultural programming offered by the Band, online learning for students and youth, as well as provide the convenience of paying bills online.

Here are the details you will need to know to enter the draw for a tablet:

• Program is open to members in Canada only.
• Individuals under the age of 16, will require parental consent.
• Successful applicants will be required to submit proof of residence.
  • Piece of ID with address, mail with name/address, etc.
• Paper/Mail-in applications will need to be postmarked by May 10^th, 2021. Paper/Mailed-in applications will not be accepted after May 17^th, 2021.
• Online application collection will be open for three weeks: April 19^th – May 10^th, 2021.
• Limit of one application per member, duplicate applications will be removed or deleted. In event of duplicate applications received, QFN will consider the first application as the valid application all others will be removed or deleted from the draw.
• All applications will require: Name, Accurate Shipping Address, Physical Address, Band Number, Date of Birth, Phone Number and/or email. Incomplete applications will be removed from the draw.
• Limit of one device per household.
  • If additional applications are drawn from the same household, they will be ineligible.
• Random draw will take place on May 21^st, 2021.
• The supplier will ship directly to the successful applicant and all successful applications will be required to sign for the device. In cases where success applicant is near the supplier, home delivery or curbside pick may be an option.
• QFN is not responsible for any damage, lost, or misplaced devices.
• Warranty is with the device manufacturer and not supplier or QFN.
• Only the successful applicants will be contacted.

Complete one of the form options to apply

Click here to apply online or click here to download and print the application.

$154,000 in total benefits have been processed for payout to members of the Band who were essential workers with childcare costs during the pandemic.

Eligible applicants who did not receive approval for benefits before the fund expired will be kept on file. We will continue discussions with our partners around securing additional funds to better meet the needs of our membership. Those applications will be processed should additional funds be secured.

Although there are no remaining funds to distribute at this time, the application will remain open to give the Band a better understanding of need.

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.

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.

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Black Bear program has been postponed – new date TBD. Please contact ymacdonald@qalipu.ca if you would like further program information or applications.