A Sixties Scoop survivor advocate in the province said the federal court decision Monday to approve interim payments to successful claimants is a good thing, as COVID-19 has caused delays in payments and creating financial hardship for survivors.
12,500 applicants will soon be getting a $21,000 payment.
“I’m just relieved a little bit for these survivors that are struggling or that are on the street. Ever since COVID happened, its just been a really stressful time for everyone,” said Melissa Parkyn, a resolution health support worker with Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Center.
The coronavirus has closed several provincial archives, which contains important information to verify an applicant’s claim. Further, social distancing has created barriers for Applicants seeking information and support to back up claims that have been flagged by the Administrator as incomplete.
“We recognize the huge emotional toll this process and delay has had on applicants. Under these circumstances, the fair and necessary thing to do was to make sure no one’s application is denied while we’re still in this period of uncertainty,” explains Doug Lennox of Klein Lawyers. Lennox represents one of the four law firms that helped negotiate the Settlement and provides ongoing counsel to Class Members. “Because of this decision, it will take a little longer to determine the total number of eligible applications and, therefore, the final individual payment amount that each person will ultimately receive.”
Lennox confirms that any applicant approved in the coming weeks and months will be eligible for the interim payment. As for when a second payment will be made, that will be determined by the courts.
The next steps include working with public health officials and Indigenous organisations to determine a threshold for when it will be safe and fair to reinstate timelines for incomplete applications.
“Class Members deserve and are owed justice,” said Lennox. “The interim payment is about keeping that process of justice moving. It’s the right thing to do.”
(PHOTO: Sixties Scoop apology ceremony. By Dan Jones)