Legal Fees Question Shouldn’t Delay Compensation
Monday, September 11, 2006 at 14:39
A lawyer for the government says he doesn’t think a potential argument over legal fees will derail compensation payments for residential school survivors.
Last week, an article in MacLean’s magazine suggested the Merchant Law Group could delay or jeapordize the settlement process due to a dispute over fees.
Tony Merchant denied the suggestion, stating he had only voiced concerns that the process could be hit with delays if the government dawdled.
Ontario lawyer John Terry says even if an argument over fees does take place, it will be treated as a separate matter and won’t keep back payments.
Terry adds the residential school compensation process still needs approval by six more provincial courts before it’s fully adopted.
He says lawyers from his group will be talking to a Saskatchewan judge later this month.