Ref. #2-3439
Ottawa, Ontario (December 1, 2010) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today announced that $4 million will be allocated in the 2010-2011 fiscal year under the Advocacy and Public Information Program (APIP).
"This program is an integral part of Canada's commitment to healing and reconciliation," said Minister Duncan. "Our responsibility is to ensure that former students are aware of their rights under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, especially the September 19, 2011, deadline for applying for a Common Experience Payment."
Since the implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) began in 2007, over 100,000 Common Experience Payment applications and over 18,000 Independent Assessment Process applications have been received. To date, over 76,000 individuals have been compensated through the Common Experience Payment component and over 7905 individuals have been compensated through the Individual Assessment Process and other provisions of the Settlement Agreement.
INAC issued a call for proposals in May 2010 to organizations to conduct public education and provide information on the settlement agreement to Aboriginal communities throughout Canada. Nineteen projects were selected for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
The APIP initiative began in 2007. More information can be found on the Advocacy and Public Information Program and on the funded projects.
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For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
