COVID-19 Support Programs

In an effort to manage and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in our communities, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is offering COVID Care Kits to Citizens and their families who are currently caring for a sick family member, or are considered a high risk household.

Click here for more information on the MNO COVID Care Kits and how to apply

The MNO has launched a housing stabilization program to provide aid to those:

• facing eviction and have received an eviction notice from their landlord
• who are precariously housed 
• who are homeless

Supports include:

• Eviction prevention supports, including payment of COVID19 related rental arrears
• Basic needs provisions, including access to vouchers for food, hygiene supplies, and PPE
• Education and information on tenant rights and responsibilities
• Facilitate access to emergency shelters
• Internal and external referrals to housing supports and resources, include referrals to legal supports

*Support will be assessed case by case for individuals or families based on their needs.

Eligibility:

• Métis Nation Citizens, self-identified Métis, and other Indigenous people
• Must be homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or be precariously housed

CONTACT: For more information please contact the MNO’s Métis Housing Stabilization Team by email at housingstabilization@metisnation.org or by phone at 1-800-263-4889 Ext. 350.

The MNO is pleased to offer the COVID-19 Child Care Support Program to help Métis families access safe high quality child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. All Métis families who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply. To learn more about the Program and apply click here

The MNO has put in place several COVID-19 Emergency Financial Support Programs to assist MNO Citizens and families affected by the pandemic. To this roster the MNO has added a Special Needs Support Program. 

Through the Special Needs Support Program MNO Citizens with children aged 0-21 years with special needs can receive a one-time benefit of $500 per child  up to a maximum of $2,000 per family to provide assistance during this time of physical distancing. This benefit is limited to one per household

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Parent or Child must be a citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and reside in Ontario
  
  • A copy of MNO citizenship must be included
• Child(ren) must:
  • Have a special need diagnosis
  • Be 0-21 years
  • Please note: Families with children aged 0-12 also qualify for the MNO Family Emergency Fund, Technology Fund, and Food Security Fund.
• Provide proof of child(ren)’s age (i.e. copy of a birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.)
• Supporting documentation that confirm your child’s diagnosis. Approved documentation includes:
  • Letter from your child’s doctor or psychologist confirming your child’s diagnosis
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Proof that your child qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (you can provide a screen shot from Revenue Canada indicating your child is entitled to the Disability Tax Credit)
  • Official Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) letter from your child’s District School Board
• Must not be receiving emergency support from any other provincial Métis Government

Funds will be paid to MNO Citizens via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Please attach a void cheque or direct deposit slip to your application. Citizens can apply at https://covid.metisnation.org by indicating the number of children with disabilities on the online application form.

*NEW: increased amount per Métis family

MNO Citizens who have lost income due to COVID can receive $2,000 or $2,750 per Métis family to assist in paying for expenses (mortgage payments, utilities, etc.).

NOTE: Families who accessed the MNO Emergency Income Relief Benefit of $750 in 2020 are eligible to receive an additional $2,000 without needing to provide any additional documentation. Those who have already received this $750 will be contacted by a member of MNO’s COVID team.

Applications from families who have not yet received this COVID benefit can receive one-time funding of $2,750.

This benefit is available to MNO Citizens who have lost income since March 15, 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Those who qualify for this benefit include those experiencing:

• Layoff or job loss
• Loss of self-employment
• Reduction in work hours
• Requirement to quarantine or self-isolate
• Caring for children due to school/daycare closures
• Caring for someone who is sick due to COVID-19

While the MNO understands that everyone is experiencing hardships during this unprecedented situation, only those who fall within the parameters above are eligible to receive these funds.

In order to qualify for these benefits, citizens must provide: 

• A copy of MNO Citizenship Card

• Proof of loss of income in the form of: a copy of the applicant’s Record of Employment (ROE) – or – proof of lay-off/job loss – or – proof of reduced work hours.

• For self-employed applicants: a Declaration of Self-Employed Income Form – Schedule A (provided by MNO).

• A void cheque or direct deposit slip for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO NOTE BEFORE APPLYING:

Social Assistance and Ontario Disability Support Program Recipients

Social Assistance and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients should be aware that these benefits may affect their social assistance benefits and are suggested to inquire with their case worker before applying.

There are a number of financial benefits available for MNO citizen families to help during the pandemic, regardless of whether or not income has been lost due to COVID. As of January 2021, based on feedback from citizens and new financial contributions from Crown partners, MNO is pleased to be able both to offer new supports for families, and to extend the age eligibility of others.

MNO Emergency Family Fund
*NEW now extended to include children 13 – 18 years old
MNO Citizens with children aged 0-18 can receive a one-time benefit of $500 per child up to a maximum of $2,000 per Métis family to provide assistance during this time of physical distancing. This benefit is limited to one per household.

NOTE: Families who accessed the MNO Emergency Family Fund for $500 per child 0 -12 in 2020, are now eligible to receive $500 per child up to a maximum of $2,000 per family without needing to provide any additional documentation. Those who have already received MNO Emergency Family Fund and have additional eligible children will be contacted by a member of MNO’s COVID team.

MNO Technology Fund for Children
*NEW: now extended to $500 per child up to a maximum of $2,000 per family
*NEW: now extended to include families with children 13 – 18 years old
MNO Citizens with children aged 0-18 can receive a one-time benefit of $500 per child to assist in the purchasing of technology for their children to support learning at home, up to a maximum of $2,000 per Métis family. Technology can include, but is not limited to, laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, headphones, software, and applications. This benefit is limited to one per household.

NOTE: Families who accessed the MNO Technology Fund for Children of $500 in 2020, are now eligible to receive $500 per child up to a maximum of $2,000 per family without needing to provide any additional documentation. Those who have already received MNO Technology Fund for Children and have additional eligible children will be contacted by a member of MNO’s COVID team.

MNO Food Security Fund for Children
*NEW: increased amount per Métis family
*NEW: now extended to include families with children 13 – 18 years old
MNO Citizens with children aged 0-18 can receive $600 or $1,200 per Métis family to purchase food to support child nutrition.

NOTE: Families who accessed the MNO Food Security Fund for Children in 2020 are eligible to receive a second $600 without needing to provide any additional documentation. Those who have already received $600 will be contacted by a member of MNO’s COVID team. Applications from families who have not yet received this COVID benefit can receive one-time funding of $1,200.

*NEW: MNO Food Security and Household Necessity Fund for Adults
MNO Citizens between the ages of 19-60 can receive $600 per Citizen to purchase food or other necessities, up to a maximum of $2,400 per family. This benefit is limited to once per household.

*NEW: MNO Food Security and Household Necessity Fund for Seniors
MNO Citizens over the age of 60 can receive up to $750 per Citizen to purchase food or other necessities, up to a maximum of $1,500 per family. This benefit is limited to once per family.

To qualify for the programs detailed above:

• Parent or Child must be a citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and provide a copy of MNO citizenship
• Age requirements must be met and proof of age must be provided (i.e. copy of birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.)
• Citizens must not be receiving emergency support from any other Métis Government
• Citizens must provide A void cheque or direct deposit slip for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Note, these funds will be dispersed through electronic funds transfer for all who qualify. If you have not previously applied for COVID support, you can apply now at: https://covid.metisnation.org

If you have submitted an application to MNO’s COVID-19 Emergency Support Programs please know that our staff is working to provide citizens and families with help as quickly as possible. An member of our COVID team will be in contact as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.

For those who may not qualify for financial assistance detailed above, the MNO is offering other ways to help. Please contact our toll-free number at 1-800-263-4889 or via email covidhelp@metisnation.org

The MNO recognizes that seniors are our most vulnerable population during this time and that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue exponentially as seniors have been forced to limit their social activities as well as contact with their families and support systems in efforts to remain healthy and safe. To support our Senior Citizens during these unprecedented times of isolation the MNO is pleased to announce two new services for seniors who are experiencing isolation from family and friends. There are no income restrictions for these services.

• Electronic Device Support
  • The MNO will provide eligible seniors with a tablet, case, accessories, and instructions to allow them to connect with friends and family while in isolation
  • In order to be eligible applicants must have access to internet Wi-Fi
  • Confirmation of internet service may be requested
• Snow Removal Service
  • The MNO will provide seniors with snow removal services to assist them during the pandemic up to a maximum $1500.00
  • The Service requires one (1) quote from a licensed company
  • This service is available for the 2021 Winter Season which ends on December 21, 2021
  • The applicant must have property insurance. A copy of which will need to be submitted with the application

Eligibility Criteria for both services:

• Open to all Indigenous persons aged 55 and over until March 31, 2021
• Applicants must have been isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Applicants can apply online and select the support they need. To learn more about the Program and apply click here

CONTACT: For more information about the Program please contact the MNO’s Programs Administrator at (705) 722-5022 Ext. 302 or by email at housingprograms@metisnation.org

The MNO’s COVID-19 Rent Supplement Program provides a one-time benefit to Indigenous households to a maximum of $500.00 a month for up to 3 months to assist in the payment of their rent. This benefit is a one-time only benefit and is limited to one per household and is available up to March 31, 2021. To learn more about the Program and apply click here

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must self-identify as Indigenous 
• Applicants must be renting their home as their full-time residence
• Applicants must be from a low-to-moderate household income
• Indigenous households that have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible
• The tenant(s) cannot be related to owner, landlord, or managing agent of the property
• Hostels, Group Homes, Nursing Home, Retirement homes, and congregate living arrangements are not eligible

CONTACT: For more information about the Program please contact the MNO’s Programs Administrator at (705) 722-5022 Ext. 302 or by email at housingprograms@metisnation.org

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) has created a K-12 Education Support Fund for Citizens with children attending K-12 education. Families may be eligible to receive a benefit of $500 per child for the 2020-21 school year, to support the purchase of educational supports and materials directly related to the child’s education (e.g., school supplies, books, learning software, counselling services, additional technology supports for online learning, etc.). This benefit is limited to one payment per child.

To qualify for these MNO K-12 Education Support Fund:

• Parent or child must be a citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and reside in Ontario
• Child(ren) must be attending K-12 education during the 2020-21 school year
• Provide proof of child(ren)’s age (i.e. copy of birth certificate, passport, heath card, etc.)
• Must not be receiving emergency support from any other Métis Government

Application Deadline:
March 1, 2021, 5:00 PM EST

Application Link:
https://metisnation.smapply.io/prog/mno_k-12_education_support_fund

For more information about this program, please contact: k12educationsupport@metisnation.org.

Please note, the MNO may be able to provide additional tutoring and/or education advocacy supports. Contact k12educationsupport@metisnation.org for more information.

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and the Métis Voyageur Development Fund (MVDF) are committed to supporting Métis-owned small, home-based and family businesses negatively impacted by Covid-19. 

The new Métis Micro-Business Fund is intended to relieve financial pressure, support the viability of Métis-owned small and micro-businesses, and strengthen operations so they are well positioned for recovery.

This fund will provide non-repayable financial support to Métis home and family based businesses, generating less than $40,000 in a year that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or a Covid-19 loan from the MVDF.

Eligible micro-businesses may receive contributions of up to $8,000, based on revenue. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• MNO Citizen (must provide citizenship # on application)
• 18 years of age or older
• Lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Business revenue of less than $40K/yr 
• Total family income of less than $160K/yr
• Have not accessed CEBA through a mainstream financial institution or Métis Emergency Business Funding (MEBF) through MVDF

What is considered a microbusiness? 

Métis micro-entrepreneurs might include:

Crafters (beadwork, painters, carvers, artisans, etc.); individuals that cook/bake/make Medicines; individuals who conduct cultural events (fiddlers, dancers, etc.); Guides for the tourist industry; Trappers; individuals that run a small business from their home (hairdressing, sewing, house cleaning, etc.)

For more information including documentation requirements and how to apply, visit: microgrant.metisnation.org

Social Assistance and Ontario Disability Support Program Recipients
Social Assistance and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients should be aware that these benefits may affect their social assistance benefits and are suggested to inquire with their case worker before applying.

Payment of funds
Funds will be paid to MNO Citizens via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Citizens will be asked for a void cheque or direct deposit slip to be able to process their application.