Advancement of Social Services

At the direction of the Chiefs and leadership, Grand Council Treaty No. 3 works to further Nation building and the exercising of inherent jurisdiction through the advancement of social services (CA-12-10). Through jurisdictional initiatives, Treaty No. 3 is working towards social safety nets that meet community needs. Jurisdiction and advocacy efforts in Social Assistance have currently been focused on addressing inequitable services availability within Treaty No. 3 First Nations. GCT3 participates in provincial social services technical tables with both provincial and federal partners. At these tables, Treaty No. 3 works to educate policy makers on the unique needs, concerns, and context for social services in Treaty No. 3.

Improved Accessibility

Grand Council Treaty No. 3 has also been working towards improved accessibility of Ontario Disability Supports programming for Treaty No. 3. GCT#3 has also been in discussion with Canada regarding their Social Assistance programs. Starting in 2018, several Social Assistance Gatherings were held in Treaty No. 3 to identify needed improvements to the federal Income program. These gatherings identified priorities such as:

  • Reducing current system barriers that make applications difficult for clients; (intake forms, multiple application formats for those with/without access to telecommunications)
  • Improved program delivery to meet unique community needs
  • Increased scope of services covered through programing
man holding a feather

Social Services Initiative

Min-O-Que-Ke-Ga-Bwe’in Social Services Initiative (MSSI) has been provided by Kenora Chiefs Advisory since 1998. Grand Council Treaty and the Chiefs in Assembly have supported this program and advocated alongside KCA to provincial partners for funding (CA-188-14, CA-20-45). Since 2007, the seven member First Nations have provided Ontario Works through a group delivery model under MSSI.

Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong

Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong was created by the Chiefs of Treaty #3. They provide employment and training under the Aboriginal Skills Employment Training Agreement.

Social Assistance Programs

Social Services can be broadly divided into disability supports, and employment services. Both have financial and job readiness programs. Information on the services available within these provincial or federal programs can be found on their perspective pages.

Social Assistance Appeals

If you have questions or concerns regarding a Social Assistance decision, there are avenues for you to appeal

Ontario

If you disagree with an OW decision:

  1. Ensure you have the Notice of Decision sent to you be OW
  2. OW provides 30 days after the notice is issued (33 if mailed) to request an internal review of the decision. Use the Template Generator.
  3. The next step will be the Social Benefits Tribunal

Ontario also has an independent oversight office, the Ontario Ombudsman. Complaints about ODSP and OW can be brought before this office.

Manitoba

There are two options available to address concerns with Social Assistance within Manitoba.

  • The government of Manitoba has a Fair Practices Office that will investigate and mediate disputes within social assistance.
  • The second avenue is the Social Services Appeal Board (SSAB). This independent body reviews appeals to government program decisions, like EIA. There is a 30-day window to submit an appeal to the SSAB after an EIA decision has been issued in writing.

Canada

Income Assistance questions, concerns and appeals should first be directed to local administrators. If within 60 days there has been no response, or information has not ben provided, the complaints coordinator of Indigenous and Northern Affairs can be reached.

Phone: 1-855-504-6760
Fax: 1-819-934-2352
Email: aadnc.cnao-nacc.aandc@canada.ca