Canada’s controversial $2 billion reparations package, designated for the country’s approximately 86,000 indigenous peoples who were forced to attend residential schools, has moved towards implementation. On January 18, Phil Fontaine, Assembly of First Nations National Chief, reportedly met with a high-ranking member of the Conservative party to discuss the party’s plans to honor the compensation proposal. The Montreal Gazette quoted Fontaine on January 17 on his hopes for the meeting: "What we want to hear is a clear and unequivocal statement of support for the settlement package, because we know it’s fair and just and generous." The proposal is still under consideration.
