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Residential Schools Claims - Taxpayers should watch their wallets

Author: Tanis Fiss 2002/12/19

VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation's (CTF) Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change (the Centre) reacted today to the federal governments unveiling of the Resolution Framework to resolve Indian residential schools claims.

"The resolution framework for residential schools claims will permit the settlement of legitimate claims outside of the courts, saving taxpayers money," stated Tanis Fiss, the Centre's director.

"However, the new framework isn't cheap. The process is estimated to cost $1.7 billion over 7 years," continued Fiss.

Operational costs to implement the resolution process are estimated to cost $735 million. "Given the federal government's recent $1-billion gun registry boondoggle, taxpayers should watch their wallets," added Fiss.

The primary focus of the resolution framework is to resolve claims of physical and sexual abuse. "It is important this alternate dispute resolution process does not expand beyond legally actionable claims to include language and cultural claims. The Department of Canadian Heritage and Department of Indian Affairs already spend $30 million each year on programs and projects designed to support aboriginal language and culture. Yesterday the federal government committed another $172 million over 10 years for aboriginal language and culture," said Fiss.

A Note for our Readers:

As you may know, we're working hard to stop Prime Minister Trudeau's attempt to add a 2nd carbon tax upon Canadian taxpayers. If you are against this tax, would you take a moment today to read and consider signing the petition below?

When you do, your name will be added to the growing list of tens of thousands across our country who want to tell the government that we are opposed to these new taxes. Please take a moment to read the petition below and consider signing it today.

To Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

The federal government is introducing new fuel standard regulations to require industry to reduce the carbon content of fossil fuels. If industry can’t meet the standard, they’ll have to pay Trudeau's second carbon tax. This tax will ultimately hit already struggling families and businesses.

It’s bad enough that taxpayers are already paying for one carbon tax. Canadians certainly can’t afford a second carbon tax.

We, the undersigned, call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to scrap plans for a second carbon tax.

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