Debates of June 2, 2006 (day 4)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to ask questions to the honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment just with respect to something that has been in the news lately. It is the residential school lump sum payment program for the common experience. I know that the GNWT is involved, but the Minister can detail for me how they are involved with this residential school lump sum payment payout that is happening. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 43-15(5): Residential School Lump Sum Payments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has the responsibility for the compensation payments and have set up the Indian Residential Schools Canada Secretariat to coordinate this program. So the GNWT is not directly involved in the lump sum payments, but the GNWT is working to provide files to the secretariat to allow for the verification of student attendance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 43-15(5): Residential School Lump Sum Payments

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Minister mentioned a secretariat. Is there a lead department that is taking part in it, or is there an interagency committee that is coordinating the government directorates, particularly with the schooling and educational records that are kept by our government? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 43-15(5): Residential School Lump Sum Payments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this point, there is not an intergovernmental agency. Education, Culture and Employment is responsible for ensuring that student records are provided on a timely basis to applicants or the individuals who ask us for their records. They are doing that. I have committed to the House already in previous questions here or during this session that the Ministers of the social envelope or the Ministers of Social Programs committee will consider this request to work together. We will ensure that we are operating a coordinated response where that is appropriate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 43-15(5): Residential School Lump Sum Payments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government has indicated publicly as well that they will be clawing back any residential school payment program. Is this an actual policy that is already in place, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 43-15(5): Residential School Lump Sum Payments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is right; all income security programs will exempt the lump sum payments.

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The social assistance regulations require amendment in order to accommodate that. That amendment has not been completed yet, but work on rewriting the regulation is underway and will be done before the payments are issued.

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Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 43-15(5): Residential School Lump Sum Payments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to hear that the government is very receptive and supportive of the lump sum payment program. In particular, there will be many elders that do not need to be taxed or clawed back. Is there an office, a particular number or a contact in our government that can help anybody that is looking for details for this particular residential lump sum payment program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 43-15(5): Residential School Lump Sum Payments

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Because this is a federal program, the best number to call is the Indian Residential Schools Canada helpline, which is 1-800-816-7293. I think that, for the public, is the most important number for them to call because they need to contact that number in order to find out how to access the forms, the applications and so on. Applicants do not need to have verification of attendance before applying for this compensation. The first call should be to the commission to make sure that they get their applications in. Once they file their application, then verification of attendance will be required. That is when they need to contact us to get the verification of attendance. In order to find that number, they can either use one of the regional offices to find the appropriate number or use our web site. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.