The Canadian government announced a final agreement concerning Indian residential schools, dropping the Presbyterian Church's liability cap from $2.1 million to $1.32 million. Rev. Stephen Kendall, the church's principal clerk, praised the announcement made in Parliament on April 25.
"The Presbyterian Church in Canada is pleased that this comprehensive agreement has been reached," said Kendall. "It's good news all around; it provides acknowledgement in the form of compensation for the residential schools experience that many students found to be a denial of their culture and language. It also continues to provide a fair and compassionate hearing and compensation for cases of serious abuse."
Quoted in The Globe and Mail, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine said, "This is a tremendous day for First Nations, for survivors of residential schools and for Canada."
There had been some concerns from those involved as to whether or not the new Conservative government would honour the $1.9-billion agreement in principle signed by the Liberals last year. All parties agreed to the settlement, including the federal government, legal representatives of the former students of the Indian residential schools and representatives of the Presbyterian, Anglican and United Churches.
Kendall said although the government has approved the agreement, it still has to be approved in courts across Canada before coming into effect. This could take up to one year. "In the meantime, we are very pleased that the government has agreed immediately to consider interim payments for the sick and elderly."
The final agreement not only decreases the church's financial obligation for compensation, it also provides an opportunity for an increased emphasis on healing and reconciliation ministries, and for participation in a Truth and Reconciliation commission.
The compensation process may take as long as eight years to finish. – AM
