News Releases and Media Advisories

Ottawa, August 16, 2013 – A search for a new Deputy Chief Adjudicator (DCA) for the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) was launched today with the release of a Request for Proposals for individuals who are interested in applying.

The IAP is a claimant-centred process that provides compensation to former students for abuse they suffered at Indian Residential Schools. The IAP also supports healing and reconciliation among former students, their families and communities.

There are six DCAs, who assist the Chief Adjudicator (CA) in managing the work of the IAP and oversee the adjudicators who preside over hearings. One of the DCA positions became vacant in July, when DCA Dan Shapiro was appointed Chief Adjudicator.

“I look forward to receiving proposals from interested individuals, including adjudicators who currently oversee IAP hearings or others who believe they meet the required qualifications,� said Dan Shapiro. “The successful candidate will embrace the objectives of compassion, a claimant-centered approach, fairness and consistency that have allowed us to resolve more than 22,000 claims to date,� he said.

The selection of a new Deputy Chief Adjudicator will be managed by the IAP Oversight Committee (OC). The Oversight Committee includes representatives of former Aboriginal students and their counsel, Churches and the Government of Canada. A selection committee will review proposals, conduct interviews and make a decision on the selection of the new DCA.

Applicants for the position must have a law degree with at least 10 years at the Bar, experience as a member of the judiciary or in the adjudication of claims, and have significant knowledge of Canadian Aboriginal people and their history, culture and current issues. The mandatory and rated requirements for the position are outlined in the Request for Proposals, which is available on the Government of Canada Buyandsell.gc.ca website. Candidates must submit their proposals by September 24, 2013. The new Deputy Chief Adjudicator is expected to be in place by the Fall.

The IAP is administered by the Indian Residential Schools Adjudications Secretariat (IRSAS), an independent tribunal. It was established under the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, and operates independently from the parties to the Agreement, including the Government of Canada.

As of July 31, 2013, IRSAS had received 37,842 applications for compensation under the IAP. Of these, 22,609 cases have been resolved and more than $2.05 billion has been paid out in compensation by the Government of Canada.

Contact:

Michael Tansey
Media Relations
Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat
(819) 934-1444 (office)
(613) 851-4587 (cell)
michael.tansey@irsad-sapi.gc.ca
www.iap-pei.ca