Dear Members,
I am writing to provide you with an important update regarding the treatment of our Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) and Manitoba Hydro Settlement funds under the Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) Program.
Attached to this letter is the most recent Income Assistance Bulletin, which outlines the types of payments that are exempt when determining eligibility for EIA. These exemptions ensure that certain settlement payments and compensation are not counted as income when members apply for or receive EIA.
In addition to the bulletin, I want to confirm the following:
Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Settlement Funds
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has confirmed with Manitoba EIA that TLE payments will be exempt under Regulation 8(1)(a)(xxi). This regulation specifically exempts “payments received from a First Nation that distribute compensation paid to the First Nation from the Government of Canada under a land claim settlement.” This means that the distribution of our TLE settlement will not affect members’ EIA benefits.
Manitoba Hydro Settlement Funds
The exemption of the Manitoba Hydro Settlement funds requires a formal regulatory amendment. While that amendment is still pending, Manitoba EIA has directed its staff to exempt these payments in the meantime. This ensures that our members will not be penalized when receiving these funds.
I want to reassure all members that your benefits will not be reduced as a result of receiving these settlement distributions. If you encounter any issues when working with the EIA program, please reach out to our office so we can support you.
Sincerely,
Chief Gord BlueSky
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
