Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is committed to improving Citizens’ experiences when accessing programs and services. In 2021, MNBC conducted a thorough review of its Skills Training, Employment & Post-Secondary (STEPS) funded program guidelines and released these Standards of Practice (SOP) to the public for the first time to ensure transparency and accountability to our Citizens and funders. Based on feedback received over the last year from STEPS staff, MNBC Citizens, and Métis Chartered Communities, STEPS has updated the SOP. The full document can be found below.
Most of the changes are minor wording and increased clarification of the guidelines. The following is a summary of the major updates and additions made:
Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary (STEPS) No. 2: Programs and Supports Currently Offered
Change:
2.8. All offered programs will be subject to a $20,000 annual funding limit, including costs of training and applicable wrap-around support.
Explanation:
This funding limit applies to high-priority training programs as determined by the Province and MNBC and recognizes regional differences in the types of programs that are in line with the labour market demands, as well as the higher cost of some of these programs.
Please note that the funding limit is annual, covering a 52-week period, and is based on the availability of funding at the time when an application is submitted, and all documents are received to be considered complete.
Change:
3.6. Client-initiated training programs will be subject to a $12,500 annual funding limit, including costs of training and applicable wrap-around support.
4.4. Post-secondary education will be subject to a $12,500 annual funding limit. This limit will include support for the cost of tuition, books, student fees, and applicable and appropriate wrap-around support.
Explanation:
Over the last two years, STEPS has seen a significant increase in the number of applications and requests for financial support for post-secondary education and skills training support. In addition, the cost for education and training varies based on institution, program, and location and these costs have also increased substantially over the last few years. We used existing data to determine a model that would allow for a fair approach to providing support, and concluded that $12,500 met the need for most students attending various education and training programs.
Please note that the funding limit is annual, covering a 52-week period, and is based on the availability of funding at the time when an application is submitted, and all documents are received to be considered complete.
NEW 5.1: Designed for Citizens with or without work experience, recent graduates (6-month window) and Citizens in precarious situations.
5.5.5. Added: Placements must be no fewer than 20 hours per week and cannot exceed 40 hours per week with no overtime reimbursement.
NEW 5.5.6. Clients can have an agreement with two different employers to a maximum of 40 hours per week.
NEW: 5.6.2. Previous and current volunteers are eligible to apply.
NEW: 5.6.3. Clients may be eligible to apply for multiple required practicums in different years with new employers.
NEW: 5.7.6. Métis Chartered Communities wishing to apply, an advance of estimated funding may be provided for up to two months, including Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs).
6.1. Added Exception: Métis Chartered Communities may be eligible for a maximum reimbursement calculated on an hourly wage of no more than $5 above the current Provincial minimum hourly wage.
NEW: 6.2. Minimum eligible subsidy duration is three months.
NEW: 6.8.2. Previous and current volunteers are eligible to apply.
NEW: 6.8.3. Clients may be eligible to apply to multiple new employers in different years.
6.9.2. Added: Métis Chartered Communities wishing to apply, an advance of estimated funding may be provided for up to two months, including Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs).
Change:
7.1. Added: Due to limited funding, and to ensure accessibility to all Métis residing in BC, wrap-around support is not designed to replace income, and it cannot be expected to meet all unmet financial need.
Explanation:
STEPS funding is intended to provide support with costs associated with attending a post-secondary institution or other training provider, and any wrap-around support cannot fully replace the costs of living. STEPS staff will discuss clients’ situations and make referrals to other MNBC ministries or external organizations that may be able to supplement financial support provided by STEPS.
Other Changes:
NEW: 7.6.3. MNBC offered skills training or education upgrade programs that are less than 15 training hours per week will not be provided wrap-around supports unless requested based on financial need and will be subject to the above maximum.
Explanation:
STEPS receives a limited amount of funding each year. As demand for financial support has increased over the last two years, STEPS has evaluated how that funding is allocated and determined that it is not able to provide this additional wrap-around support moving forward while also ensuring the funding is allocated in a fair manner.
Change:
7.7.1. Applicants are eligible for up to $2,000 in emergency employment support, in two lifetime $1,000 payments
Change:
NEW: 7.8.1. Applicants are eligible for up to $2,000 in emergency student support, in two lifetime $1,000 payments and may be provided dependent on availability of funding
- Applicant or client must have a current signed Client Training Agreement (CTA) with MNBC and will need to submit documentation regarding the request for support and discuss with staff to determine eligibility
- Eligible costs include, but are not limited to the following:
- Tutoring
- Medical or family emergencies preventing or inhibiting a student from continuing their studies
- Assistance with temporary accommodation, access to food or transportation required to attend and complete education or training
Change:
2. Added: Applicants are required to apply for each period of study up to one calendar year. For current clients, applications will not be accepted earlier than 30 days before the end date on the current CTA. Added to CTA: clients will be required to provide STEPS verbal/written verification of current employment to close out a CTA.
11.1. Offered Skills Training or Education Upgrade programs with added: Other MNBC Offered Skills Training or Education Upgrade programs as long as scheduling permits and total student training hours do not exceed 40 hours per week.
NEW: 17. MNBC cannot provide letters of support for applications to gain access to post-secondary institutions, bursaries, or scholarships. We can provide verification of amount of funding being provided and can confirm MNBC Citizenship. Those seeking verification or Citizenship confirmation letters must allow for at least 10 business days for such a request.
NEW: 3.5 Staff are only able to discuss details of any submitted applications with the client who submitted and signed the application. Due to privacy and confidentiality, any other person writing on behalf of the client will only be provided with information on STEPS programs/services and Standards of Practice. The client must request any information regarding their application themselves.
4. Added: Completed application is defined as all questions answered and all supporting documentation submitted.
NEW: 2.4. Applicants must return signed agreements within 10 business days.