OTTAWA (November 23, 2005) The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister responsible for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, the
Honourable Irwin Cotler, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the
Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
announced today that the parties involved have reached an Agreement in Principle toward
a fair and lasting resolution of the legacy of Indian residential schools.
"The Government's Representative, the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, has reached an
Agreement in Principle with the Assembly of First Nations, legal representatives of
former students of Indian residential schools and representatives of the Churches
involved in running those schools. The parties to Mr. Iacobucci's discussions are in
agreement on the ways to recognize the common Indian residential school experience of
former students" said Deputy Prime Minister McLellan.
"The Agreement in Principle proposes a common experience payment to be paid to all
former students of Indian residential schools, an improved alternative dispute resolution
process for claims of serious abuse, as well as measures to support healing,
commemorative activities, and further investigation and education concerning past
policies and their continuing impact on Aboriginal Canadians and their families" added
the Deputy Prime Minister.
"I would like to thank the Honourable Frank Iacobucci for his extraordinary efforts over
the past six months," said Minister Cotler. "The historic agreement he has reached with
former students' counsel, the Assembly of First Nations, and Church representatives
reflects a shared vision of a fair, just and lasting resolution of the Indian residential
school legacy."
"This Agreement in Principle is a landmark agreement," said Minister Scott, "and as we
prepare for the First Minister's Meeting on Aboriginal issues, today's announcement
reaffirms the Government's commitment to strengthening relationships with First
Nations, Métis, and Inuit people across Canada."
$1.9 Billion has been set aside for the direct benefit of former Indian residential school
students. The Government also announced that eligible former Indian residential school
students 65 years of age and older will soon be able to apply for an advance payment of
$8000.
For more information on the Agreement in Principle, please refer to the attached
background documents.
For further information, contact:
Alex Swann
Director of Communications
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Ph: 613-991-2863
Sarah Mangione
Media Relations and Public Affairs Officer
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada
Ph: 613-947-5006
