Members of Grassy Narrows and Islington Bands (and affiliates) may be eligible to receive a claim for benefits related to the effects of mercury from the Wabigoon River.
The Mercury Disability Board can help with the process.
Child & Youth Claims
(0-18yrs.)
Minors Trust
Everything you need to Know About:
Child/Youth Claims - Minors Trust
The Mercury Disability Board (MDB) Minors Trust
holds compensation for eligible members under 18
who are registered or affiliated with either or both:
Grassy Narrows First Nation (Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek)
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations,
known collectively as:
The Grassy Narrows & Islington Bands,
And, who has, or may develop, signs, symptoms, or conditions consistent with mercury poisoning.
After the Application & Assessment Processes are complete,
Minors Trust funds are invested, grown and protected,
until the child turns 18 years old.
How the MDB can help with claims:
The Grassy Narrows & Islington Bands Mercury Disability Board was established to help claimants seek access to fair assessments and to lead the administrative processes
of the Board with transparency and respect.
The MDB can also help navigate the claim process,
from applications to planning assessments,
and getting your benefits information
to the right channels.
Eligibility
A child under 18yrs. who is a registered member (or affiliate) of
Grassy Narrows First Nation
(Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek)
or
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations
and who has, or may develop, signs, symptoms, or conditions consistent with mercury poisoning.
***A parent, legal guardian, or authorized personal representative (18 or older) can apply on the child’s behalf using the Representative Form. ***
The Process - Application to Compensation
Complete and submit an application, called an
Assessment Request Form (ARF)
as well as a Representative Form (Up to 18 yrs.)
You can submit electronically or by mail.
Applicants without a registered Status Number of:
The Grassy Narrows & Islington Bands,
will also need to submit an
Additional Information Form.
All Application documents will be sent to
The Grassy Narrows & Islington Band for final approval.
Applicants will receive a letter from the MDB
letting them know
if the status of their application.
Clinical assessment.
The child/youth completes medical assessments with medical professionals,
specially trained in the effects of mercury.
***Youth aged 16 years and older will attend adult assessments.***
After Assessments are Complete:
a point score is assigned based on the findings.
A score over 6, will result in benefits,
Maximum benefits delivered at 12 pts. (16 pts. for adults)
Community review and written decision.
The claim is reviewed.
You will receive a written decision by mail and/or email.
If your claim is Approved:
The MDB will send your approved file to Canada Life for processing.
Canada Life will process the file and send you a letter.
An initial amount is placed in an individual trust account.
Funds grow in trust until age 18.
Money is not paid to the child before 18 except in rare, approved cases.
Families receive regular statements showing the balance and interest.
Payout at age 18:
At age 17 yrs. and 6mos. and older, the young adult can
release their trust benefits by submitting:
An Individual Trust Account Payout Request form.
A notarized copy of 2 pieces of government issued photo ID.
and an Electronic Payment Request form,
to receive the full remaining balance.
Still have questions?
General Inquiries: boozhoo@mercurydb.ca
Trust Release Process
(for Approved Claims, Ages 17 yrs. 6 mos+)
trust@mercurydb.ca
