Common Experience Cheques Are Still Processing

Common Experience Cheques Are Still Processing

Friday, November 16, 2007 at 14:30

A spokeswoman for the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada says about 9,000 cheques have been sent out to survivors around the country so far.

Valerie Heche says that number is out of 73,000 common experience applications that have been received since September 19th.

She says the department is working as fast as it can, but has been overloaded by the paperwork — as well as computer problems.

Last week, a Regina-based lawyer said he didn’t buy the government’s explanation for the delay.

Tony Merchant says he has heard that many applications are being placed into a file for higher scrutiny.

However, Heche says the only applications being processed manually are the ones the computer can’t process automatically.

She says they are trying to contact applicants whose forms are taking a long time.