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Social Services Unit Update November 2000 |
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| Ontario
Works As you are aware there is an agreement in principle among all parties in the Mushkegowuk case to extend the Ontario Works opting out deadline for First Nations from October 1, 2000 to April 1, 2001. In the long term, AOCC Resolution 00/61 confirms there is consensus that a federal bilateral arrangement is preferred. While this will take a long time to put into place, steps have been taken to advance this preference. In a meeting with John Donnelly (September 28th), INAC acknowledged that it may take two years or more to develop a bilateral process in Ontario, while recognizing that this will make provision for a bilateral arrangement for all social service programs in the future. On September 28th, the Chiefs Committee on Social Services (re-established July 11th, during the AFN-AGA) jointly with the OISSC met with RDG John Donnelly to review the “Proposal” and the “Draft Terms of Reference” which will guide the bilateral discussions on the development, design and implementation of a First Nations social assistance framework. Most significantly INAC indicated that they are prepared to endorse an “Annex” to the ’65 Welfare Agreement. The annex is to allow the Province to reimburse the federal government their current contribution to social assistance. (A legal opinion is currently being done on the pros and cons of being signatory to the ’65). INAC also stated that they have been waiting since July 1st for a letter of intent from the Province, which confirms that Ontario supports a bilateral arrangement for Social Assistance between First Nations and Canada, and will not proceed with a bilateral arrangement without Provincial consent. In addition, the chiefs committee clarified that First Nations do not need Ontario’s permission to enter into a bilateral agreement with Canada. It was also stated very clearly that First Nations will continue with their developmental work on bilateral negotiations regardless of the provincial position. |
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| FBA Transfer It is the position of the Chiefs of Ontario that following the court ruling of August, where the judge found in favour of the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council, that the judge was clear in his direction that Ontario was not to alter from the current administration until such time as the appeal is heard. Most communities in the Sioux Lookout area have accepted the transfer
of the former FBA files/cases. Other First Nation communities have
indicated that they are delaying the transfer as they do not want
to impede the Mushkegowuk case in any way. |
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| Social
Security Reform AFN and INAC have jointly been involved with an initiative titled “Demonstration Projects”. There are currently 17 projects in Ontario, either individually or collectively, in proposing innovative alternatives to independence from social assistance. A national workshop is set for November 29 to December 1, 2000,
to bring four First Nation participants from each region to lay
the groundwork for a series of regional workshops. |
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| Bill
76 An Act that will govern Social Service Worker’s and Social Workers. The Act makes it mandatory for anyone wanting to use the titles social worker or social service worker to be members of the new College, pay an annual fee, and pass a “competency test” to become certified. A “grandfather clause” would allow workers who did not meet the certification requirements to continue to practice for a period of two years after the establishment of the college before they are required to meet the requirements. This legislation will affect First Nations across Ontario and may result in the loss of employment for many First Nation workers not ‘fitting’ the new regulatory requirements. Within the field of Native Social work practice, traditional healers are often consulted and requested to provide direct services to our membership. How will this imposed legislation impact the practice of traditional medicine within our communities? Many people. Organizations, associations, educator’s and academic institutions have been strongly opposed to Bill 76, as Ontario proceeded with the implementation very quickly and without much consideration of the concerns raised. The OISSC have met with the Circle of Original Peoples Council (COOPC), to heighten the awareness of the impacts of the legislation on First Nations and to explore alternatives that will meet the needs of First Nation membership and communities. COOPC consists of faculty and graduates of the Native Bachelor of Social Workers Program offered at Laurentian University) |
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| First
Nations/Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) First Nations across Ontario continue to face inadequate funding to meet the childcare needs of their communities. As per SCA Resolution 00/14, this file has been transferred to the AHRDA holders. Although the OISSC is not directly involved with the AHRDA file,
all members continue to be interested in the FNICCI and are committed
to assisting in any way possible. |
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| Child
Welfare Amendments to the CFSA were made with no consultation to First Nation’s leadership, Native Child and Family Service Agencies or First Nation communities. These amendments ignore the family preservation model which has taken decades to recognize and deal with given the impacts and realities of the Sixties Scoop. Respect for family, culture and the right of First Nations to deliver their own services has been replaced by mainstream values and standards that ultimately result in the removal of children from First Nation communities. As a result of the emphasis on “best interest” of the child, caseloads across the province have increased to an alarming 40% since 1996. A moratorium remains in place for pre-mandated agencies to receive
society status, which prevents First Nations in asserting authority
for child welfare services. The OISSC, Chiefs Committee on Social
Services and the Association of Native Child & Family Services
are in the process of coordinating a meeting with Ms. Cynthia Lees,
Assistant Deputy Minister, MCSS to resolve the issues and concerns
that First Nations have identified. |
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| Band
Representative Program MCSS denies its responsibility to provide salaries for the Band Representatives program although the role is defined within their legislation. Furthermore, the province refuses to provide any resources to support the exercise of the Representatives rights such as covering actual expenses incurred while performing this critical role for our First Nations. Immediate funding must be made available to provide salaries to our Band Reps., and standardized training to be developed and implemented as a result of the Reforms. Actual costs must be reimbursed to First Nations in supporting this position within each community. INAC has confirmed that the department will fund a review of this program. A call for proposals will be issued, furthermore the OISSC is in the process of scheduling a meeting with the Association of Native Child & Family Services to develop the terms of reference and to select the consultant. Every effort will be made to ensure that the review is a comprehensive one that identifies the needs as well as the concerns of the communities. |
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| Social
Services Demonstration AOCC Resolution 00/62 was adopted by consensus by the Chiefs-in-Assembly. A regional social services demonstration is being coordinated with respect to the imposition of provincial legislation imposed by the province of Ontario. Wednesday, November 22nd, has been selected to demonstrate at Queens Park, this date coincides with the Leadership Forum scheduled for November 21-23, 2000. Additional information and an “Issues Paper” will be sent out to all First Nations leadership and Welfare Administrators by Tuesday, November 10, 2000. |
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