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Schools

ACNS 2871 - CANADA - 12 February 2002

Anglicans report 'good dialogue on tough issues' with government

First negotiations since collapse of ecumenical group
Negotiators for the Anglican Church on the Indian Residential Schools issue
concluded the third round of meetings with the federal government this week
in Vancouver. The two-day meeting was attended by Archdeacon Jim Boyles and
four other representatives from the church, together with Deputy Minister
Jack Stagg, head of the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution, and
staff. The meeting marked the first bilateral negotiation session between
the two sides since the announcement, also this week, that the Ecumenical
Group, representing all four church groups affected by the Residential
Schools issue, could no longer negotiate as a group.

Commenting on the outcome of this week's meeting, Anglican representatives
said it was still too early to tell when and how substantive progress would
be made. Archdeacon Jim Boyles said the meetings were marked by good
dialogue on tough issues, noting that a number of substantive issues were
addressed. He indicated the primary concern for Anglicans is the
establishment of a formula which will ensure justice for plaintiffs with
validated claims.

The Anglican negotiators said there is still work to be done before a
framework is established for a comprehensive and viable agreement between
the two sides. The teams agreed to continue to a fourth meeting, with a date
set for early March.

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