New measures announced to protect residential school claimants

CANADA
Nunatsiaq Online

The chief adjudicator of the Independent Assessment Process for residential school survivors announced new measure this week designed to protect claimants from lawyers who engage in illegal conduct.

The IAP is specifically for former students of residential schools who experienced serious physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during their time at school — distinct from the common experience payments, which were designed for anyone who attended residential school.

But the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat, which oversees the IAP, became aware of a small number of lawyers who were bilking clients.

Complaints emerged about one particular Calgary-based lawyer, prompting an investigation.

“The vast majority of lawyers representing claimants in the IAP are diligent and do excellent and highly ethical work,” Dan Shapiro, the chief adjudicator, said in a news release.

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