From the Office of the Chief
TO: Residents of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations
FROM: CHIEF AND COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Covid-19 Update
DATE: Monday, April 20, 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE – AS OF APRIL 20, 2020
This is a periodic update to the community members of Wabaseemoong to keep Citizens informed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Working From Home Policy Developed
In response to the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a Global Pandemic on March 11, 2020. The WIN Chief and Council along with Senior Managers and Directors have been developing a response plan and making sure the community is prepared. On March 16, 2020 Wabaseemoong implemented our COVID-19 response interim work from home policy for the safety and health of our employees, clients, communities and the general public.
Essential Services and Service Continuity Plans
We are making every effort to make sure essential services are still provided to our band members, We are updating our service continuity plans to ensure this happens. Until then our offices will continue to remain closed until May 4, 2020.
Year-end Reporting and Budget Planning
As we are now into the new fiscal year of 2020-2021. Year-end reports still need to be completed and new funding proposals need to be completed for the projects funded year to year. For the core funded programs, we are assured that funding will continue. Several Programs were allowed to carry over activities into this fiscal year.
COVID-19 Response Funding Secured as Part of Canada’s Relief Package
Wabaseemoong was able to secure short-term interim COVID-19 response funding as part of Canada’s relief package. Included in this package are the Check-stop security for 2 paydays; Call centre staff (well-being) check crew for two paydays; Food security; family support; home care; and health and education funding. The funding that was provided does not meet the extended time frame that the Canadian Federal Government is now estimating this pandemic will continue. All Directors are being asked to submit requests and proposals for funding to keep our community safe.
Internet-based Learning For Students
In the coming week, our priority will be education, the Chief and Council want to ensure that the children are provided with educational resources through internet-based learning. This may mean each household and child registered in school will be provided with tools to continue learning. We will also be offering a program to provide a relief to the families and children that used the breakfast program. Details will be announced as plans are being finalized.
The Band Representative Program and Jordan’s Principle program will also develop ways to maintain services to community members.
– CHIEF WAYLON SCOTT AND COUNCIL
