DCR and The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Enter Partnership to Provide Support For Immediate Delivery And Secured Funds To First Nations
Mar 31, 2020, 05:14 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and DCR Strategies are pleased to announce the availability of instant and secured Visa prepaid reloadable cards that can be delivered to First Nations Band offices immediately.
With the government recently announcing additional funding in response to the state of emergency created by COVID-19, First Nations are urged to act now.
AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated “First Nations have expressed concern regarding the safety of their citizens on and off reserve. Cheques provided for staff, emergency payments to citizens, education allowances, and social assistance requires individuals to process the cheques, physically handling them, and sometimes having to wait at the office to pick them up. The solution of DCR Strategies in collaboration with AMC will address these concerns.”
The AMC prepaid reloadable cards will allow all First Nations to load cards quickly as determined by a First Nation for their payroll, emergency payments to citizens, social pay and emergency funds programs. Funds can be loaded instantly once the First Nation has credited their account and can be reloaded for ongoing monthly payments. The benefits of these cards include:
“First Nations have expressed concern regarding the safety of their citizens on and off reserve. Cheques provided for staff, emergency payments to citizens, education allowances, and social assistance requires individuals to process the cheques, physically handling them, and sometimes having to wait at the office to pick them up. The solution of DCR Strategies in collaboration with AMC will address these concerns.”
– AMC Grand Chief, Arlen Dumas
- Prepaid reloadable cards are faster, more convenient and can be sent out immediately;
- Reduced fees for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak to help First Nation citizens;
- DCR is prepared for this influx and is able to provide cards loaded with funds in 72 hours; and
- Cards can be available (at your First Nation band office) by next week – virtual cards can be distributed via email or cards can be sent to the appropriate First Nation office.
According to Diana Fletcher, President & Co-founder of DCR Strategies Inc., “At this time, we strive to curb the social and economic effects of COVID-19 by making access to funds easy for Canadians while reducing the ‘touch factor’ associated with cheque or cash disbursement – on or off reserve. In collaboration with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, we are committed to assisting First Nations, and have the staff, expertise and infrastructure to assist. We urge First Nations to stop buying gift cards that overcharge. Prepaid cards with mobile wallet capabilities give recipients the ability to pay bills, shop online, view transactions and view available balance. The physical prepaid card allows in-store purchases immediately upon receipt.”
Grand Chief Dumas further stated: “I am pleased AMC is working with DCR Strategies to provide a solution to assist First Nations with financial services such as this during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will allow leadership to focus on other areas of concern. The card will allow First Nations to implement their states of emergency by having citizens not leave their First Nation to obtain money or cash cheques. Additionally, it will assist with First Nations responding to the urgent requests of Chiefs to assist in finding a way to get financial assistance to their citizens living off reserve in urban areas such as Winnipeg.”
For more information, please contact:
Curtis Mallett, Policy Analyst Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: [email protected] Phone: 204-987-4107
Zimbrida Agolli, Community Support Manager
Email: [email protected] Phone: 647.821.5543
