Social Assistance

Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Phone: (204) 627-7171
Fax: (204) 623-3396
On call (204) 627-0255
Email: socasst@opaskwayak.ca

The Social Assistance program of Opaskwayak Cree Nation provides for the payment of basic needs allowances to First Nations residents, who are residents of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and who meet the eligibility criteria, and in accordance to the rates, polices and guidelines as contained in the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Social Assistance manual.

Clients establish eligibility for basic needs allowances at the time of application for allowances. Basic needs allowances paid to eligible recipients may include allowances for items such as food, clothing, personal and household allowances, utilities, shelter costs and expenses related to funerals.

Special needs allowances for goods and services, essential to the physical and social well being of eligible recipients, but not included as items of basic needs, may also be provided.

Services Provided:

Casework and counseling services may include referrals to other agencies or organizations, to provide services to the needs of an individual or family.

Work Opportunity Program
The intent of the work opportunity program is to provide employment work experience and develop skills for social assistance recipients by utilizing social assistance funds in conjunction with funds from other sources.

The OCN Social Services Department has working relationships with various agencies, entities and businesses such as:

• Community Services Departments
• Opaskwayak Cree Nation Departments
• Opaskwayak Cree Nation Authorities
• Opaskwayak Cree Nation Entities
• Swampy Cree Tribal Council
• Other First Nations
• Income Security
• Other Social Assistance Agencies
• Work Opportunity Program Employers
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)

The following staff members are responsible for the administration of the Social Assistance Program of Opaskwayak Cree Nation:

Bev D. Constant, I/Social Assistance Administrator
Fred Sinclair, Sr. Social Assistance Accountant
Lester Constant, Social Assistance Accounting Clerk
Elaine Partridge, Sr. Social Assistance Intake Worker
Joyce Partridge, Social Assistance Intake Worker 1
April Dorion, Social Assistance Intake Worker 2

Office hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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