Law firm says $1.9B abuse settlement held up

Friday, February 2, 2007  

A Canadian law firm that has been working on residential school abuse cases says the government's appeal is holding up the $1.9 billion settlement.

The Merchant Law Group has represented over 10,000 former students who suffered physical, sexual and mental abuse at government-run schools. The firm won an attorney's fee award -- which could range from $15 million to $40 million -- from a court in Saskatchewan.

The Canadian government filed an appeal to challenge the firm's fee. But officials say that won't hold up payments to former students.

Evatt Merchant, however, says that's not the case. He says the appeal, and his firm's cross-appeal, won't allow the deal to move forward.

Under the settlement, every former student receives $10,000, plus $3,000 for each year spent in school. Additional money can be sought for those with documentable abuse claims. Elders are entitled to rush payments.

Get the Story:
Residential school legal-fee dispute continues (CBC 2/1)

Residential School Abuse / Church Liability Decision:
Blackwater v. Plint (October 21, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Residential Schools Claims - http://www.residentialschools.ca
Assembly of First Nations - http://www.afn.ca
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Department - http://www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca/english

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