The Federal government has relaxed some regulations around who can apply for and receive Employment Insurance, and the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), and made benefits retroactive in some  cases as well. Reports indicate that applicants are receiving funds under the programs in under a week. These developments have made the Chippewas of Nawash Small Business/Entrepreneur Living Wage Program no longer necessary. The Chief and Council have closed the Living Wage Program as of April 11, 2020. Members are urged to apply for Federal Employment Insurance benefits or CERB, as soon as possible.

The Business and Employment Support Worker is available to assist members making applications under these Federal programs.

Service Canada has also announced a dedicated toll-free phone line for First Nations members who need help with applications for both Employment Insurance and the CERB. The number for Service Canada’s Outreach Support Centre Line is 1-877-631-2657.

Cheques are available for pick up at the Band Office on Friday, April 3, 2020, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. If you are unable to pick up your own cheque and designate someone to pick it up for you, your designate must have a signed note from you giving them permission. Your designate will be required to sign for the cheque.

The next period of Income Support will cover the period from Sunday March 29 – April 11, 2020. Applications must be submitted to the Band Office by 4:00 PM, Monday April 13, 2020. Any forms handed in after 4:00 PM will be processed the following week.

Applications for the next period will be available at Band Office reception on Monday, April 6, 2020, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Questions may be directed to Angela Ashkewe, Business and Employment Support Worker.

Email: besw@nawashfn.ca

Phone: 519-534-1689 ext. 225

Information on the application process can be found here.

The COVID-19 crisis continues to grip Canada and the world, with few signs of resolving as yet. On the heels of extending the closure of non-essential Band programs, Chief and Council have also voted to extend the Emergency Living Wage support program until May 4, 2020. The program offers $450/week to qualified applicants who have been economically impacted by the pandemic. More information about the program, including application guidelines, can be found here: Small Business/Entrepreneur Living Wage Program.

Chief and Council want to ensure that our small businesses and their employees are supported through this challenging time. Details of our support program for small businesses and entrepreneurs are now available here. The first application deadline is Monday, March 30.