What are the benefits of being a native in Canada?

What are the benefits of being a native in Canada?

There are several benefits of being a native in Canada. Indigenous peoples and communities of Canada get many free concessions from the Government of Canada. Not only the government, some private organizations are providing indigenous services in Canada to give free benefits to native Canadians. Here are some of the benefits that are given to the aboriginal people of Canada.

Non-insured health benefits for natives:

Non-insured health benefits, also known as NIHB, is a program run by the Government of Canada. Under this native Canadians get the benefit of free health checkups and medicines. Under this program, native people of Canada will get free benefits like:

* Drug and pharmacy products
* Dental benefits
* Vision care
* Medical supplies and equipment
* Medical transportation
* Mental health counseling

To know the eligibility and more about this visit here

Taxes and benefits for indigenous peoples:

Indigenous peoples get tax benefits, credit, and exempt income under section 87 of the Income Act. As per the Canada Revenue Agency(CRA), indigenous people are subject to the same rules as any other resident in Canada, except they are eligible according to the Indian act. If native peoples file the return, then they will get the following benefits:

* Child disability benefits
* Goods and services tax/Harmonized sales tax credit
* Canada child benefit
* Disability tax exemption
* Canada workers benefits
* Climate action incentive
* Northern residents deductions

Indigenous status:

The Indigenous status card is another benefit given to the indigenous community of Canada. Not all indigenous communities get this status card such as Inuits and Metis are not eligible for this because they are not an “Indian” according to Indian Act. So other aboriginal communities who are defined as Indian can apply for the status card here. Advantages of having a status card:

* Treaty annuity payments
* Trust money
* Can cross Canada-US border
* Estate services

Social programs:

There are a number of social programs that are run by the government. These social programs are run to support indigenous families and communities. Also improves the economy, living, health, and education status of the aboriginal peoples. It has different programs as follow:

* First nations child and family services
* Family violence prevention program
* The on-reserve income assistance program
* Assisted living program

Community well-being and jurisdiction initiatives program
Indigenous rights:

Canadian Human Rights Commission(CHRC) is working for the betterment of human rights and their protection. In the past, indigenous peoples didn’t have full access to human rights but after passing an amendment in 2008 it all changed. Now aboriginal peoples have the right to complain against discrimination and other falses as per the Indian act.

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program(RRAP):

Under this program government funding for the restoration and modification of housing at an affordable price. There are several subprograms under this as follow:

* Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
* Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Conversion
* Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Secondary and Garden Suites
* Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities

Know more about all these programs here

These are the major benefits of being native in Canada. Along with essential advantages, native peoples also get some additional benefits under several programs such as

* United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
* Canadian Armed Forces Programs for Indigenous peoples
* On-reserve Income Assistance program
* Matrimonial real property on reserve

Conclusion:

The Canadian government is constantly working for the betterment of native people in Canada. You can check the list of different programs running by the federal government of Canada. Not only government but also private organizations working for the economic development of native Canadians. ITFC is one of the private organizations that is providing indigenous services in Canada for indigenous inclusion.

Originally published at https://www.selfgrowth.com.

Technology Drives Indigenous Engagement

Technology Drives Indigenous Engagement

Features of economic inclusion and engagement network will drive hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages and salaries to Indigenous peoples enrolled in ILO program! 

The online Indigenous Liaison Program and connectivity offered by Its Time for Change will provide economic opportunities for remote communities that otherwise would not be available to them.

Indigenous economic and social inclusion is a national, regional, and local priority! 

Non -Indigenous business members, Members of Parliament, Members of Provincial and Territorial governments as well as Municipal leaders of the ITFC economic inclusion and engagement platform are seeking the assistance of Indigenous community-based liaison officers who can provide valuable insights on a broad range of issues.

The Its Time For Change economic inclusion network is a holistic solution to building Indigenous economic capacity in Canada through collaborations, partnerships, and the sharing of information. The network speaks to the emerging need of Canada’s business community to engage both Indigenous communities and Indigenous-owned businesses in a new era of economic growth and development.

Our multi-functional platform engages Canada’s Indigenous peoples, communities, and businesses creating an environment for success. Promoting, advocating, and supporting collaborations, partnerships and knowledge build capacity.  Providing “job opportunities” to Indigenous people that could range from between two hours to two weeks to two years in a “work from home” environment will bolster local economies while providing a real solution to the business community who need advice and insight but are not ready to commit to full-time employment.

Indigenous economic inclusion needs to be the “new reality” is the topic of conversation in communities, conferences, and organizations across the country, so let’s make it a reality!

Take action!

The ITFC in platform facilitates short to long-term engagements from companies, government, organizations and pushes those opportunities back to our registered Indigenous Liaison Officers within the region the request is coming from. We can match the specific needs of companies regardless of their location with subject matter experts in over 75 different categories in over 700 different communities!

With a mandatory allocation of revenues from Seven generation membership option, the ITFC economic inclusion and engagement network will drive hundreds of thousands of dollars in engagement agreements across the country.

ITFC is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs.  If you require accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, please contact rae@itstimeforchange.ca  to make your needs known in advance.

Article originally posted at: https://blog.itstimeforchange.ca/technology-drives-indigenous-engagement/

indigenous business developmentindigenous communities canadaindigenous development

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Holistic Approach to Economic Capacity Building

 

Wholistic or holistic-the struggle!

We are often asked what development approach to our inclusion and engagement network we embraced. Often, we used the words wholistic and holistic interchangeably!
But we were wrong! The correct term to describe our approach to economic capacity building is in fact “holistic”. When did the preverbal light go off? Like many of you, I suspect, when challenged to use a word in its proper context, go to the dictionary!

The word holistic is connected to holism, which focuses on the total entity and the interdependence of the diverse parts of this totality.

Such is the case when we speak about the economy. Its interdependence of the diverse sum of all its parts! This is truer in an Indigenous community than any other I have seen. 

The economic platform must start with jobs, job creation and the impact sustainable employment has on a family and community. Income is, as we have stated many times, in our opinion is the single most important social determinant of health. Healthy families create healthy communities. 

So, there are some facts worthy of repeating: Indigenous youth is the fastest-growing demographic in Canada. In fact, a recent study shows that by 2027 we will have close to 1 million indigenous youth! This is an incredible opportunity! Here’s another interesting fact. In Ontario alone, there is a labour shortage of 250,000 people! 

So, here’s the deal- ITFC has made it possible for companies, especially construction companies, associations, the resource industry, or anyone else for that matter to post a job and we will push it out to communities and become your HR specialist! Beyond your membership fee, we won’t charge you a dime! Job opportunities do not have to be “on reserve” believe it or not we have heard that from companies before!

Procurement –

So very important and on so many levels! Some companies are very familiar with Indigenous procurement practices and they don’t want to tell anyone! Seriously there are those who have benefited from restrictive policies and practices that have been forced upon Indigenous communities for decades! Things like – rapid response time on funding envelopes force communities to get the “three mandatory” quotes in order to proceed with a project within a specific time frame. Policies whereby an independent “authority” gets to decide whether or not a community has the capacity to fulfil the scope of work expected on a procurement opportunity within their community or traditional territory!
The ITFC economic inclusion network recognizes all types of Indigenous procurement and connects buyers and sellers in a hassle-free environment.

 If the federal government lies up to its commitment to ensuring that 5% of government spending includes Indigenous communities, their people, and businesses, procurement platforms like ITFC will be a critical part of the strategic economic growth plan of all Canadian companies.

These are two critically important features of the ITFC inclusion network, to learn more book a spot here and select your topic of interest and discover the real holistic capacity-building efforts of the ITFC economic inclusion network.

Article originally posted on: Holistic Approach to Economic Capacity Building

Collaboration at Its BEST Mattagami First Nation

 

COLLABORATION AT ITS BEST: MATTAGAMI FIRST NATION

Collaboration at its BEST: Mattagami First Nation

It’s Time for Change (ITFC) is pleased to share and shine a light on one of its own partners, Mattagami First Nation. Recently, Mattagami First Nation’s commitment to partnership and collaboration has resulted in the announcement by I AM Gold’s decision to proceed with the construction of the Côté Gold Project.

The Côté Gold Project is anticipated to generate 1,000 jobs; 450 of which plan to be hired during construction,  $5 billion in wages, and more than $10 billion in GDP in years to come.

First Nations partners, Mattagami First Nation and Flying Post First Nation have a great deal to look forward to, but also future employees, partnerships, and coordinating efforts are still needed to ensure this works for everyone.

The economic growth opportunities, jobs, and procurement possibilities can drive economic development and growth, which can contribute greatly to the social and economic well-being of their respective communities. Mattagami First Nation Chief Chad Boissoneau said the project created new opportunities for his community:

“Our community is celebrating this announcement. This is the culmination of years of diligent work on both sides,” Boissoneau stated, “Côté Gold will have a significant positive impact for future generations. There are considerable business development, education, and training opportunities for our community – we are pleased we can move forward..”

Collaboration and partnership are behind the wheel helping drive Canada’s economy, but what do you think?

“Since signing the IBA (impact benefit agreement) in 2019 we have been eagerly awaiting a project decision and are extremely pleased it has arrived,” stated Flying Post First Nation, Chief Murray Ray.

Indigenous Businesses in Canada are more Vulnerable in Crisis

Indigenous Businesses in Canada are more Vulnerable in Crisis. Three years later...

Canada’s response has brought many issues to the forefront that have plagued our nation for decades. Recent financial support to Indigenous businesses in Canada highlights this fact alone, but let’s make one thing very clear:

Indigenous businesses in Canada are more vulnerable in crisis, compared to those of us born into privilege, austerity, and security from all levels of the Canadian economy, but you know this and so does It’s Time for Change (ITFC).

We didn’t need a pandemic to realize that fostering a robust Indigenous business sector, capable of creating sustainable economic opportunities, is for each and every one of our best interests. Canada has an unlimited amount of resources available to not only rebuild our economy post-pandemic but can evolve past nation-wide discrepancies.

The importance of Indigenous business communities and the engagement thereof is not new; in fact, the Globe & Mail (an article from 3 years ago!) made this exact same argument. Related to greater resources to support Indigenous business owners, the survey found that:

“73% of Canadians want the private sector to step up to help Indigenous entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level; 81% agree that corporations should include Indigenous businesses in their supplier networks whenever possible.”

So what are we waiting for Canada? The time is now to pave the way for new and emerging ideas to build sustainable opportunities that every Canadian will feel the positive impact of!

Let’s make this a priority, folks!

Canada’s private sector needs to prioritize Indigenous entrepreneurs. Our experience is that everyone benefits when business strategies are based on inclusiveness.

Many corporations are already engaged in supporting Indigenous businesses as a matter of policy. These initiatives are impressive and impactful. But broader efforts are needed. The fact that a large majority of Canadians want Indigenous entrepreneurs to succeed also sends an important message of hope and fuels our optimism.

How do we make this happen?

Three years after the Globe and Mail article we are still trying to find a pathway to inclusion and engagement.  Programs like the one announced on June 11th to help Main Street businesses in Southern Ontario should not be restricted to a specific region.  Indigenous businesses will benefit from initiatives like this even more due to their remoteness.

ITFC provides functional tools that will help all businesses build a brighter and more sustainable future with the assistance of our platform.

We have waited long enough, let’s make the next three years count!

It's Time For Change.

Indigenous Communities in Canada

 What is the meaning of indigenous peoples?

This is a word used to describe the native peoples of Canada. Canadian constitution defined them as the “Indigenous Communities” of Canada. North America from at least 14000 years ago. As the report published by the government of Canada in 2016 around 4.9% of the population is the inhabitants of Canada.

Indigenous Communities of Canada

Aboriginal Canadians(indigenous peoples) comprise mainly in three groups named First Nations(also known as Indians), Metis, and Inuit according to the constitution of Canada. These groups are distinct according to their unique history, culture, language, and beliefs. These peoples are found in all 14 provinces of Canada.

First Nations(Indians):

First Nations are the most populated group among all three. These peoples are numbered 977,235 in the 2016 census. There are more than 630 communities in the First Nations. Speaks 50 plus languages.

British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are the main geographical locations or provinces where First Nation are found.

Metis:

The term Métis alludes to a group of societies and ethnic characters that came about because of relationships among Aboriginal and European individuals in what is presently Canada.

Metis is the 2nd group according to the numbers of people. The population of metises are 587,545 calculated in 2016. Metis are recognized as Canada's aboriginal peoples under section 35 constitutions act of 1982. Metis, 40% of the population lives in Ontario and Alberta.

Inuit:

Inuit means ”The Peoples'' in the Inuit language of Inuktitut. Inuit are the 3rd group of indigenous people of Canada. The population of the Inuits is calculated to be 65,025 in 2016. These are mostly lived in the arctic region.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunatsiavut, southern Labrador, Nunavut, and Nunavik are the main regions where Inuit live.