Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is pleased to announce new Standards of Practice (SOP), a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to promote accountability, transparency, and responsible governance within the organization. The new Standards of Practice will go in to effect for all programs in the Ministry of Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary (STEPS) with a program or training date after April 1st.
The SOP are designed to create a more streamlined application process for citizens. They were developed in consultation and feedback received over the last year from STEPS staff, citizens and Métis Chartered Communities. They cover a wide range of areas, including financial management, customer service standards, wrap-around and emergency supports available and are intended to ensure that MNBC is operating in a way that is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the citizens and communities and is in alignment with our Federal and Provincial funding agreements.
Due to a record number of citizens being funded in post-secondary education this past year, STEPS had fully allocated all available funding to support those seeking degree, graduate or doctoral programs by late August 2022. With MNBC’s new fiscal year starting April 1, new applications for STEPS programs will open on February 01, 2023. Applications must be completed for MNBC to begin processing, and citizens will have to submit new applications for this upcoming fiscal year.
Accompanying the SOP is a new simplified digital application process. STEPS in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Government has developed digital tools that will make applying for programs more secure and efficient. The new application software will cut down wait times for citizens and create efficiencies for STEPS staff. This is a key improvement we have been working on over the last year, as every year we see higher numbers of applications.
“We are committed to being accountable to our community, and these Standards of Practice are an important step towards achieving that goal," says Paulette Flamond, MNBC Minister of Skills Training, Employment and Post-Secondary Education. "We believe that by setting high standards for ourselves, we can build stronger, more sustainable communities and ensure that the Métis Nation is a leader in responsible and effective governance."
Eligibility for STEPS programs and supports remains consistent with last year, requiring citizenship or an active application. Current programs and services have been created based on the funding streams we receive both Federally and Provincially, programs are determined by the priorities and goals associated with these funding streams. Current programs that will continue include the Wage Subsidy Program, Career Placement/Practicum Support/Apprenticeship, and Wrap Around Support.
The Standards of Practice will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that they continue to reflect the evolving needs of citizens, and will be made available to the public on the MNBC website.
This new SOP is a testament to the work MNBC staff undertakes daily to serve its citizens with the highest quality. The new standards outlined here are a building block on the already instrumental work being done to ensure a brighter future for Métis Nation BC citizens.
The full SOP can be found here.
A summary of the new SOP can be found here.