CANADA
Anglican Journal
Toronto, September 16,2005 -- Since May when the federal government appointed retired Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci to work on Indian residential schools issues, intensive negotiations have been underway involving representatives of government, plaintiffs’ counsel, the Assembly of First Nations and the churches.
Mr. Justice Iacobucci’s mandate is to negotiate a resolution of all the outstanding issues around residential schools, and to make a final report by March 2006.
These negotiations were established following a political agreement signed by the federal government and the AFN which included the possibility of a lump sum payment to all former IRS students, along with continuation of the present alternative dispute resolution process for those former students who have claims of major sexual abuse.
The Anglican Church of Canada has been represented in these negotiations by lawyers John Page and Brian Daly. A second working group on the non-legal issues such as truth-telling, commemoration and healing, includes the Reverend Andrew Wesley and Archdeacon Jim Boyles.
Although the issues are numerous and complex, talks are proceeding. It is expected that Mr. Justice Iacobucci will meet his deadline.