Federal Court approves 'historic' $2.8B residential day schools settlement
A Federal Court judge has approved a $2.8-billion settlement agreement between the Canadian government and plaintiffs representing 325 First Nations whose members went to residential schools.
Justice Ann Marie McDonald said in her ruling issued Thursday that the settlement is intended to help take steps to reverse the losses of language, culture and heritage through an Indigenous-led not-for-profit body.
“This settlement is historic both in terms of the quantum of the settlement and its unique structure,” McDonald said.
“As Canada remarked, the $2.8-billion settlement is not intended to put a value on the losses suffered by the Band Class members, as that is an impossible task.”
She called the agreement “historic” and “transformational,” adding that the settlement does not release the federal government from future lawsuits related to children who died or disappeared at residential schools.
“I am satisfied that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of Band Class members. The Settlement Agreement is therefore approved,” McDonald said.
The federal government originally reached the settlement on collective harm caused to Indigenous communities by residential schools in January, but the Federal Court also needed to approve the agreement.
The lawsuit was originally brought forth by two B.C. First Nations, the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc, and the shishalh, more than a decade ago, for members who were ineligible for the 2006 settlement reached between Canada and full-time students at the schools.
Former Tk'emlups te Secwepemc chief Shane Gottfriedson spoke in February at the settlement approval hearing in Vancouver.
Gottfriedson, one of the original plaintiffs in the case, told McDonald that reaching the settlement with the federal government “means everything” to him and that it was “about time Canada steps aside” and let First Nations themselves decide how to recover from the residential schools program.
The settlement now goes into an appeal period, after which the money would be transferred to a not-for-profit fund managed by a board of Indigenous leaders.
Affected Indigenous communities will each get to decide what to do with their settlement funds, based on the “four pillars” principles outlined in the agreement: the revival and protection of Indigenous language; the revival and protection of Indigenous culture; the protection and promotion of heritage; and the wellness of Indigenous communities and their members.
McDonald's decision also said that the funds and their proceeds cannot be used to fund individuals or commercial ventures, be used as collateral to secure loans or as a guarantee.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March, 9, 2023.
Correction
In a story that moved Thursday, March 9, The Canadian Press incorrectly reported that a class-action settlement agreement between Canada and First Nations members only covered day scholars. In fact, it applies to all eligible residential school students.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.