Yesterday, representatives of the federal government and the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation of Newfoundland announced that - as a result of the litigation advanced by Gowling WLG - it will reassess approximately 58,000 membership applications for membership denied on the basis of the evidentiary criteria set aside in Wells v. Canada.

The federal government also announced that it will now enter into exploratory discussions regarding the unfair treatment of veterans, RCMP officers, and other groups who have been particularly adversely effected by the enrollment criteria.

According to a press release issued by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, "individuals affected by the Wells v. Canada decision will be contacted by mail in January 2019 with information on how to submit additional documents to have their application reassessed. Those who wish to have their applications reviewed will be asked to submit the form and documents with a postmark no later than 100 days after receipt of their letter."

Jaimie Lickers and John Wilson of Gowling WLG's Indigenous Law Group were honoured to represent David Wells and Sandra Wells in these matters through the generous support of the Mi'kmaq First Nations Assembly of Newfoundland. Click here for more information on the Wells v. Canada decisions.

Read the original article on GowlingWLG.com.

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