It’s an unimaginable amount of money to try and cover some very harsh Canadian truths as compensation is being set aside for those affected by residential schools.
$40 billion is being set aside by the federal government in the fall economic update for First Nations child welfare when it comes to residential school compensation.
The money was tabulated after two class action lawsuits were settled, a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal order and long term reform of the Indigenous Child welfare system over five years.
The Tribunal ordered Ottawa to pay $40,000 to each child and their guardian who had to attend a residential school dating back to at least 2006. That date could go back further if determined by the tribunal.
Another $40,000 is being directed to each First Nations child and their primary guardian where services were denied or they were forced to leave their homes in order to access services. This policy is known as Jordan’s Principle.
