Reconsideration of Common Experience Payments

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) processes applications for the Common Experience Payment (CEP) Reconsideration Process.

What is the Reconsideration Process?

The reconsideration process is the next step for those not satisfied with their original CEP decision. In this process, AANDC researchers review the original decision and examine any new information (applicants do not need to provide any information for Reconsideration but any information that can help prove residency is welcome). If needed, the CEP Response Centre may contact applicants for more information or to clarify any questions identified by the researchers.

Am I eligible for the Reconsideration Process?

To be eligible for reconsideration, the former student for whom the application is made must:

• Have been a resident at an Indian Residential School(s), not a day student;
• Have resided at a school that is on the list of recognized Indian Residential Schools;
• Have been alive on May 30, 2005;
  or
• Lived at the Mohawk Institute Residential Boarding School in Brantford, Ontario between 1922 and 1969, and been alive on October 5, 1996.

When should I apply?

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your CEP decision, and you have not already applied for the Reconsideration Process, you have six months from the date noted at the top of your CEP decision letter or from the date the NAC letter is issued, whichever is later, to apply for the Reconsideration Process.

If you do not apply for the Reconsideration Process, you will not be able to appeal your assessment any further.

How do I apply?

A request for reconsideration of your original application can be made in several ways. You can request it over the telephone or send a Reconsideration request form    through email, fax or mail to the following:

Common Experience Payment Response Centre
P.O. Box 5260
Nepean LCD Merivale
Ottawa, ON K2C 3H5

• Fax: 1-866-352-4080 
• E-mail: reconsideration@aandc-aadnc.gc.ca
• CEP Response Centre Toll Free: 1-866-565-4526

It is important to note that applicants do not need to find their records or provide additional information in order to have their file reconsidered. However, we encourage applicants to provide any information they may have that might help researchers to confirm residence and years of residence.

Our objective is to ensure that all eligible former Indian Residential School students are compensated according to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

How long will it take to have my CEP reconsidered?

The majority of reconsideration requests will be processed within 90 days from the request. Some requests will be extremely complex and may take up to 160 days to process.

What happens if I'm not satisfied with the reconsideration decision?

After reconsideration, if the applicant still disagrees with the decision that has been made, they have the right to request an appeal to the NAC. Additional details on the Appeal Process will be provided in writing with the reconsideration letter. Applicants will not be able to appeal to the NAC until they have gone through the Reconsideration Process.

Where do I find more information?

• Visit the Court website to view the Final Settlement Agreement and Schedules  
• Call the CEP Response Centre Toll Free: 1-866-565-4526