The Deadlines to Apply For, Redeem, and Use Personal Credits Have Been Extended

CNW
December 18, 2014

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1465381/the-deadlines-to-apply-for-redeem-and-use-personal-credits-have-been-extended

Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court of British Columbia to grant Canada's request for an extension to the deadlines to apply for, redeem, and use Personal Credits. Parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement requested the deadline extension in order to give Common Experience Payment recipients and their family members the best opportunity to access Personal Credits to support education opportunities.

The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement provides that Common Experience Payment (CEP) recipients may apply for Personal Credits. Personal Credits have no cash value and can be shared with up to two family members. They are redeemable for either personal or group educational services provided by approved educational entities and groups. Personal Credits have a maximum individual redemption value of $3,000.

New deadline dates will be determined once the court order is signed by all parties, but today's court decision allows for a two month extension from the date of the court order to submit an application for Personal Credits. It will also allow for a five month extension from the date of the court order for Education Entities and Groups to submit redemption forms for payment. August 31, 2015, is the new deadline for CEP recipients, or their family members, to complete courses or programs for which Personal Credits are used.

The Government of Canada is committed to a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of the Indian residential schools system and is focusing on an agenda of reconciliation between Aboriginal people, their families and communities, and all Canadians.

Quick Facts

Personal Credits are available for a wide range of educational programs and services, including those provided by universities, colleges, trade or training schools, Indigenous Institutions of higher learning, or which relate to literacy or trades, as well as programs and services which relate to the preservation, reclamation, development or understanding of native/Inuit history, cultures, or languages.

Terms and conditions governing the administration of Personal Credits – including application deadlines – were negotiated by Canada, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Inuit Representatives.

Quote

"As the original deadline approached I said we were going to work with our partners in the agreement to seek an extension to the deadlines. I am pleased that the Supreme Court of British Columbia has accepted our request to extend Personal Credits deadlines so that eligible Common Experience Payment recipients or their family members have more time to access funding to which they are entitled and that supports education opportunities."

Bernard Valcourt

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

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SOURCE Government of Canada