The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAC) has announced the transfer of the delivery of the Income Assistance Program to the Innu Round-Table Secretariat of Labrador.
According to a press release, the transfer fulfills a long-standing Government of Canada commitment to the Innu of Labrador.
The transfer will give the Secretariat direct control over addressing the most pressing needs of Innu residents in Natuashish and Sheshatshiu First Nations.
Until now, residents in the communities have received income assistance from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, with INAC reimbursing the province for expenditures.
The income assistance program transfer agreement with the Innu Round-Table secretariat of Labrador, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Government of Canada was reached following nearly 10 years of negotiations.
During the initial years, the Province will help to oversee and mentor the Innu and INAC, so that both parties are ready to assume the direct oversight and administration of the program in accordance with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s program authorities.