CEP applications still accepted for those suffering undue hardship

Despite a resolution passed by chiefs from British Columbia during the September First Nations Summit, there have been no changes to the rules around who qualifies for a deadline extension for those still wanting to apply for Common Experience Payments.

Instead, the federal government has chosen to remain with the conditions of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement that allows for a one-year extension, from Sept. 19, 2011 to Sept. 19, 2012, only for those who have not applied “due to a disability, undue hardship or exceptional circumstances.”

Media relations officer Michelle Perron said no spokesperson was available from Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Canada to address what qualified as “undue hardship or exceptional circumstances.”

“The extension should be on the same terms as the other students who filed CEP,” said Grand Chief Edward John.
John was one of three members of the First Nations Summit Task Group to sign letters that were sent to both the Assembly of First Nations and Aboriginal Affairs in October requesting that the extension be granted across the board for all who qualified to file for CEP.

CEP is available to all students who attended Indian residential schools that are recognized under the settlement. Applicants are eligible to receive $10,000 for the first school year (or partial school year) of residence, plus an additional $3,000 for each subsequent school year (or partial school year) of residence at one or more residential schools. CEP is provided in a one-time payment of the full entitlement.

“(The government) should not create any conditions that are more difficult to meet than other students have had to meet in the past,” said John.

To have a CEP application considered for after-deadline processing, the applicant must include a written explanation outlining his situation and why he qualifies for the 2012 extension.

John said BC chiefs were approached by individuals who were concerned that there were many residential school survivors throughout the province who had yet to apply for CEP. John said he didn’t think the situation in BC was unique, but reflected similar circumstances throughout the country.

“Some of these people live on the streets, they’re alcoholics, they have other problems. It’s difficult for them to come around,” said John. “Others, they’re just not ready in their own lives yet.”

According to statistics posted on Aboriginal Affairs Web site, 97 per cent of the 80,000 estimated former students eligible for CEP have received payment and a number of applications are still under review.

Almost 100,000 CEP applications were received with almost one-quarter (22,526) turned down. The majority of those turned down attended residential schools not included in the settlement agreement. Other reasons for non-eligibility include the applicant attending a day school or was missing records to prove his or her claim. Average payment for those approved has been $20,594.
The CEP budget was set at $1.9 billion. To date, $1.6 billion has been approved for payments.

After all CEP payments are made, if there is more than $40 million remaining in the trust, CEP recipients who apply will be eligible to receive a maximum of $3,000 in personal credits to be used toward education.

Applications are still being accepted for the Independent Assessment Process, which compensates residential school survivors for serious physical and sexual abuse.
Application deadline is Sept. 19, 2012.