“I don’t think there is any excuse for this. I heard from Catholics on the east coast to the west coast that they want their churches to do better,” Minister Caroline Bennett said in a statement on Thursday.

As part of the landmark 2005 India Boarding School Placement Agreement, the Roman Catholic Church agreed to pay $29 million to programs that directly benefit survivors.

On the contrary, documents obtained by CBC News show that the church uses at least part of its funds for other expenses.

This includes $2.7 million in attorney’s fees, $1.8 million in unapproved loans and $2.3 million in administrative expenses, while $8.4 million is recorded as payment for previous litigation.

Those who worked with boarding school survivors said that the Catholic Church should be ashamed of its actions.

They said that the money could have done a lot to help those who are still affected by the federal operating system of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Described as a structured plan To “regulate the lives of aboriginal people.”

“I don’t think they are responsible for these survivors. These survivors feel that they know they are not being respected and listened to,” said Melissa Parkin, a support staff at the Saskatoon Indians and Metis Friendship Center.

“We want some kind of investigation”

The Anglican, United Church and Presbyterian Churches — all of which were part of the 2005 settlement agreement — paid the full amount agreed upon years ago.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Canada declined an interview request. They pointed out that the organization is not a party to the settlement. Individual parishes and orders created a company to oversee transactions.

In an email, an official stated that they are committed to participating and listening.

Bobby Cameron, chief of the Sovereign Indigenous Peoples Association, said he was angry and disappointed with the Catholic Church.

Watch | “Canada got them out of trouble,” Mary Allen Teppel-Lafonte said:

Cameron said that the money needs to be paid immediately and called on the federal government to mediate.

“Obviously, we want to have some type of investigation and proceed immediately. Do it now. Don’t wait six months to find every excuse in the book to delay or extend the investigation,” he told CBC News in a video call. Tuesday.

In her statement, Bennett did not promise to investigate.

Instead, she said that those who participated in the Indian boarding school settlement agreement have an “ethical responsibility” to support the recovery and closure and fulfill their promises.

“Canadians look forward to all of us meaningfully participating in reconciliation, recognizing ongoing intergenerational trauma, and supporting the recovery of survivors, families and communities,” Bennett said.

Shortage of $25 million in fundraising funds

Despite the legal challenges raised by the federal government in 2015, the Catholic Church has never justified its use of the money.

On the eve of a hearing on the matter in 2015, Saskatchewan Court Judge Neil Gabrielson approved the church’s buyout proposal and the case was closed.

The US$29 million in cash complements the failure of a US$25 million fundraising campaign aimed at benefiting survivors.

According to CBC News, the fundraising event only brought in $3.9 million. Instead, the church is allowed to fulfill its financial obligations through “service in kind.”

As part of the 2015 lawsuit, a Catholic accountant testified that services worth $25 million were provided, “even if he did not audit these records and accounts, he did not have a basis for evaluating these services, and only relied on meeting minutes.” Provided by Catholic officials.

Listen | The boarding school survivor demands Sask. The court issued the Catholic Compensation Document:

The Catholic bishops of Saskatchewan, Calgary and Toronto announced earlier this month that they will restart their efforts to fulfill their $25 million fundraising pledge.

Bennett said in a statement to CBC News that she was encouraged by the decision.

Cameron sent a simple message to the Catholic Church.

“Do the right thing,” he said.

Anyone affected by the boarding school experience and triggered by these reports can receive support.

A nationwide Indian boarding school crisis hotline has been set up to provide support to boarding school survivors and other affected people. People can call the 24-hour national crisis hotline: 1-866-925-4419 for emotional and crisis referral services.

Do you know that there is a child who has never returned home from boarding school? Or someone who has worked in it? We hope to hear from you.Send an email to our indigenous-led team to investigate the impact of boarding schools [email protected] Or call toll free: 1-833-824-0800.