Information Advisory

Re: Processing of Common Experience Payment (CEP) Applications

OTTAWA, November 2, 2007 - On September 19, 2007 the Government of Canada began receiving applications for the Common Experience Payment (CEP) which is one element of the court-supervised Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

As you may have already submitted your CEP application form for processing, please be assured that the government is working to process applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Since implementation there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the Common Experience Payment by former students, much higher than originally anticipated. Within the first six weeks the Government received almost 70,000 applications. This large volume has caused some delays in processing.

The Government of Canada is working hard to expedite the processing of your application in a timely manner. Immediate steps include an increase in the number of processing staff, to ensure that applications are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible. We understand that applicants have waited a long time for these payments and we appreciate your patience.

Rest assured the Government of Canada remains committed to a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, and to processing your application as quickly as possible.