The Economic Security Program for Cree Hunters

• The Economic Security Program Cree Hunters provides a daily allowance between $55-$60 for each day spent in the bush, up to 240 days per individual and consort.
• An additional basic amount is possible based on family unit size, factoring in all received income.
• At year-end, an extra allowance between $15-$20 for days in far regions is granted, based on predefined regional maps.
• Quarterly payments calculated on year-begin forecast and other income sources, distributed in September, December, April, and June.
• Retroactive adjustments at year's end for extra bush days and far region days through a retro cheque.
• Annual reports (Relevé 5 and T5007 slips) are issued to beneficiaries.
• Separate payments can be requested by the consort with appropriate documentation.
• Income from wage work is considered in benefit calculations and may affect the basic amount payable.
• Income verification agreements ensure eligibility consistency with Social Aid regulations.
• Payment adjustments are made based on updated family or income status during the year.
• Interviews are conducted quarterly to account for days spent and other relevant changes.

• The applicant must live in the province of Québec.
• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• The applicant must practice harvesting and related activities as a way of life on traditional territory.
• The applicant must be the head of the family, defined as "the member of a family who habitually is the chief provider for the needs of such family, taking into account established Cree custom."
• The applicant must be on the Eligibility list prepared by the Local Committee.
• The applicant must spend at least 120 days conducting harvesting and related activities, with at least 90 days spent away from the settlement.
• The applicant must spend more time harvesting than working for a wage income.
• The applicant must earn more from harvesting than from wage labor.

Who is eligible?

- Cree beneficiaries as defined in Chapter 3 of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, holding a Cree Beneficiary Number.- Individuals at least 18 years of age residing in Québec.- Persons who live a lifestyle on traditional territory that includes hunting, fishing, and trapping as primary activities.- Heads of families who are chief providers according to established Cree customs.- Those who spend significant time (minimum 120 days) conducting harvesting and related activities in the bush and earn more from these activities than wage labor.

Eligible expenses

• Fabrication or repair of gear for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
• Preparation of food reserves, clothing, shelter, equipment, and land for harvesting activities.
• Gathering and preparation of berries.
• Processing, transportation, and marketing of products from harvesting activities.
• Domestic production of handicrafts from harvesting products.
• Corrective work, conservation, and enhancement of wildlife.
• Wildlife inventories or management in support of harvesting activities.
• Travel between camps and harvesting activity locations.
• Work as a member of a local program committee, up to a maximum of ten days per year.
• Time spent on mandatory firearms handling courses, up to three days per year.

Eligible geographic areas

• Cree beneficiaries within the territory governed by the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
• Residents of the province of Québec.

• Step 1: Contact Local AdministratorReach out to the local administrator in the Cree community where you reside.
• Step 2: Gather Required InformationEnsure you have your Cree Beneficiary Number as per the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
• Prepare to provide estimates of days to be spent in the bush for the year, any other income sources, and your family status.
• Step 3: Application MeetingSchedule and attend an interview with the local administrator.
• During the interview, present a calendar marking the days you intend to spend in the bush.
• Update any changes to your family status, income, and any other relevant information.
• Submit any required forms and documentation as instructed by the local administrator.
• Step 4: Submit ApplicationEnsure your application with the local administrator is submitted within the designated application period, between July 1 and July 31.

• Benefit payments are issued in person at quarterly interviews with the local administrator, conducted in September, January, April, and June.
• Beneficiaries will receive a Statement of benefits (Relevé 5 and T5007 slips) by mail before the end of February each year.
• The consort of the file can request separate payments by meeting with their local administrator and signing a form.
• Payments can be affected by changes in family status or income, which must be reported to the local administrator immediately.
• The Cree Hunters Economic Security Board has information exchange agreements to verify if a beneficiary receives Social Aid benefits, which cannot be combined with this program's benefits.
• Any income from employment is considered in benefit calculations, with 40% of the income deducted from the Basic Amount.
• Beneficiaries must inform their local administrator of temporary or seasonal work to prevent overpayments.