[dbc]

Hi folks -
I am not a Native, but have lived on a few reserves over the years.
I have a friend who is a Native, and wants to move his family (wife & two boys) off of the reserve in Manitoba, and relocate to Ottawa.
I believe his main concern is his children who are about 10 & 12. There has been a high suicide rate amongst kids on this particular reserve.
For anyone who has done this, what are some of the issues he will be confronted with? They speak Cree, but their English is pretty good. He has a heavy equipment operators licence amongst some other good credentials, so I don't anticipate employment to be a problem.
Specifically, what benefits will he be giving up as far as taxes, housing, health care etc? Anyone in the know?
Thanks

[Brenda]

If he has such good credentials, why would he want to be given benefits?

[dbc]

He doesn't. But like anyone, yourself included, you look at what you stand to gain or lose with any major life change.
Thanks for the response though, unhelpful as it was

[Brenda]

Good. Because just like any other, he won't get any, other than from his boss.

As for taxes, maybe it's a good thing to go to an accountant. They should be able to tell.

And please, don't speak for me. Thanks.

[dbc]

Are you a Native Brenda? Or do you have any real experience with this?
Or are you just casting your judgement?
Maybe I'll try another forum

[Brenda]

Maybe you shouldnt try a forum, but a Native counselor, a tax-guy, Service Canada... For starters...

[Bruce_the_vii]

Brenda is pretty much CKA's most polite poster there dcb. And the rest of the Internet is no better. A detailed question about tax laws is going to have to go to a skilled person.

[andyt]

Well he won't lose his extra health coverage that 2nd nations don't get, that's for sure:

Quote:

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program is Health Canada's national, medically necessary health benefit program that provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis intervention mental health counselling and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.

Quote:

An eligible recipient must be identified as a resident of Canada and one of the following:

A registered Indian according to the Indian Act;
An Inuk recognized by one of the Inuit Land Claim organizations; or
An infant less than one year of age, whose parent is an eligible recipient.

He'll have to pay taxes on income earned, which I guess will come as quite a shock.

No housing provided by the band council, but CMHC will still give him special assistance based on being navtive.

All in all, since you say employment won't be a worry, why worry, since 2nd nations people seem to do OK without all the govt handouts. Your friend can do it too.

[Bacardi4206]

I have no info for your friend, however good for him. I am tired of all natives freeloading on the res than bitching at us because there life isn't as fantastic as they think it should be. Jobs, good healthcare, entertainment industries, advanced schooling, etc do not move towards the reservations. If he wants his kids to get good schooling, etc. Hes should move off the res. Be like any other typical Canadian that has to work hard, pay tax's and make sure your kids get the best options that you can afford. Your friend is a breathe of fresh air.

[dbc]

Jeez. He was born there, and this is his life as he knows it.
He isn't lazy, and wants to do the best thing for his family.
I think I've maybe discovered the biggest obstacle he'll face.
Rascism. I honestly didn't know it existed to such a degree.
I probably know more than most of you about life on a reserve,
and I'm not some liberal tree hugging, puppy kissing apologist.
Life is what it is.
Some of you need some better focus on this I think.
Just my opinion, but I'm moving on.
I guess public forums are where you can really let your baggage out.
I wasn't expecting that.

[Guy_Fawkes]

dbc wrote:

Jeez. He was born there, and this is his life as he knows it.
He isn't lazy, and wants to do the best thing for his family.
I think I've maybe discovered the biggest obstacle he'll face.
Rascism. I honestly didn't know it existed to such a degree.
I probably know more than most of you about life on a reserve,
and I'm not some liberal tree hugging, puppy kissing apologist.
Life is what it is.
Some of you need some better focus on this I think.
Just my opinion, but I'm moving on.
I guess public forums are where you can really let your baggage out.
I wasn't expecting that.

Ah you're one of those natives....

[Brenda]

If you plan to live off the reserve, expect to pay for everything yourself. Like we all do. Everything he can get, is extra.

Like I said, go to the government, they should know. Don't ask an internet forum. You only will get opinions, no facts. No one is going to do your home work for you.

Google or BING it!

[andyt]

dbc wrote:

I think I've maybe discovered the biggest obstacle he'll face.
Rascism.

Exactly how will he face racism as indicated by the opinions expressed here? Consensus seems to be that people wish him well in joining Canada, living like other Canadians. I've worked with any number of natives who live like the rest of us do - work, pay taxes, make their own way. He can do it too. Why is it racist to say that? Seems to me that it's racist to say he needs special consideration, that he can't do what 96.2% of Canadians can.

Personally I think this was a bit of a troll - no matter what we said we would have been called racist.

[2Cdo]

Guy_Fawkes wrote:

dbc wrote:

Jeez. He was born there, and this is his life as he knows it.
He isn't lazy, and wants to do the best thing for his family.
I think I've maybe discovered the biggest obstacle he'll face.
Rascism. I honestly didn't know it existed to such a degree.
I probably know more than most of you about life on a reserve,
and I'm not some liberal tree hugging, puppy kissing apologist.
Life is what it is.
Some of you need some better focus on this I think.
Just my opinion, but I'm moving on.
I guess public forums are where you can really let your baggage out.
I wasn't expecting that.

Ah you're one of those natives....

Horribly racist to wish him well, and to work hard. I guess we could say stay on the res and be a leach on society.

[desertdude]

Not much love for the locals eh ?