Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 25/02) - A nationwide agreement-in-principle was reached between the Canadian government and the Anglican Church last week.

The agreement will oversee compensation for students who suffered sexual, physical and emotional abuse at residential schools.

Under the agreement, the federal government is financially responsible for 70 per cent of the payments, while the church will take care of the remaining 30 per cent -- up to a maximum contribution of $25 million.

If the maximum amount is reached, the Anglican Church will be excused of compensating future claims. For any new claims the government will take 100 per cent responsibility.

The agreement-in-principle must be approved by all 30 dioceses before it can be finalized.

The Bishop of the Arctic, Andrew Atagotaaluk, said the amount the Arctic Diocese will contribute has not been finalized as of yet.

"The notice has just recently been broadcast. Each Diocese will be asked to meet a certain figure within five years time," said Atagotaaluk.