GDI: COVID-19 – April 2nd

NEW Métis-specific emergency response (PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WIDELY)

*Full program details and instructions available on the MN-S website

On March 31, 2020 the Métis Nation Saskatchewan announced $2.88 million for immediate emergency COVID-19 relief measures for childcare, housing, and PPE. Below is a summary.

MN–S Emergency Housing Support Program

• One-time $500 payment to Métis households needing relief
• Available to registered and self-identifying Métis households accepted by the Métis community
• Download the application for emergency relief funds here and submit the completed application to your regional office.
• Contact your Regional rep to register for emergency funds / 1-833-343-8391

MN–S Childcare Support

• One-time $500 per child to a maximum of $2,500
• Children must be under 10; registered MN–S citizens; resident of SK for the past 6 months
• An MN–S daycare for first responders and emergency workers will also be available
• Full criteria and online applications are available on the MN–S website.
• You can access the application here. Submit the completed application to childcare@mns.work.
• Contact Lisa Fleming at lfleming@mns.work or 1-833-343-8391

MN–S Personal Protective Equipment Program

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may include hand sanitizer, masks, disinfectant cleaning supplies, gloves, clinical thermometers
• Available to registered and self-identifying Métis
• MN–S will access and distribute supplies and Regions will identify at-risk Métis
• Identify need to your Regional representative / 1-833-343-8391

Student Updates

• Gabriel Dumont Institute/Dumont Technical Institute classes continue to be delivered remotely.

Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment Funded Clients:

• GDITE funded clients whose programs are interrupted or altered will not have their income support, dependent care, and other non-travel-related allowances penalized, reduced, or cancelled.
• Additional supports are available for funded clients who are required to relocate due to the COVID-19 situation.
• Additional supports are also being offered to funded clients whose programs are interrupted or altered, who would benefit from tutoring.
• GDITE funded clients whose programs are cancelled or extended due to COVID-19 will be allowed a one-time extension to their intervention.

GDI Graduation Ceremonies

• All graduation ceremonies and events for all GDI/DTI/GDC programs to June 30, 2020 are postponed. Rescheduling to celebrate/mark graduations will be assessed in the future.

Public Updates

• GDI facilities and service offices are closed to public access. Students and clients may be served by appointment and/or remotely. Call GDI toll-free at 1-877-488-6888.
• NEW The GDI Prince Albert building re-opened to staff effective April 2, 2020.
• GDITE career, employment, and training services to Métis continue to be available. Find more information at https://gdins.org/career-and-employment/career-counselling/

GDI Golf Tournament

• The GDI Golf Tournament, scheduled for May 29, 2020, is postponed. A tentative future date is August 21, 2020. Contact scholarships@gdins.org for more info.

For the health and safety of our workplaces and communities it is imperative to work together to limit exposure and spread of illness.

• Practice effective handwashing techniques. Wash hands regularly with soap and water and for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay home if you are sick (to prevent spreading illness to other people).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your arm. Turn away from other people. Dispose of tissues immediately.
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or using a tissue.
• Do not touch your face (eyes, nose, or mouth).
• Keep a distance of at least two meters (six feet) between people.

COVID-19 Information Online

Residents can go to www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 for the latest information.

The province has introduced a dedicated, toll-free phone line for people who have general questions about the COVID-19 pandemic that are not health-specific. The new number will help take the pressure of the 811-healthcare line which is for people with symptoms or health concerns. The new number, for non-emergency COVID-19 questions, is 1-855-559-5502 (for Regina residents: 306-787-8539) available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Use Social Distancing

As individuals, we are responsible for ensuring our actions do not put others at risk.  Social distancing means avoiding close contact with others to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Keep a minimum distance of two metres from others when shopping or walking in the community (from Government of SK news release March 22, 2020).

NT5