The Assembly of First Nations is welcoming an extended deadline for residential school survivors to receive education credits.
On Wednesday, the federal government extended the deadline for the Indian Residential Schools Personal Credits for Education program. Residential school survivors will now have additional time to apply to the personal credits program.
“I think the two month extension is a positive thing for First Nations,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “It is not only a two-month extension; there is a two-month extension to submit the personal credits acknowledgement form and a five-month extension to submit the personal credits redemption form.”
Bellegarde said the AFN pressed for the extension because of administrative concerns expressed by survivors and family members across the country. He hopes an improvement in communication can help alleviate the concerns.
“It’s a communication issue,” said Bellegarde. “AFN as a national organization has had numerous staff go out to every region in Canada distributing information to survivors and we have to continue with those efforts.”
Survivors who are approved will be given $3,000 in education credits.
All education programs and services must be concluded by August 31.