We applaud the recent formal apology made by Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine on behalf of the Manitoba Government to children in care who were denied the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA).
Cochrane Sinclair is proud to acknowledge the recent formal apology made by Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine on behalf of the Manitoba Government to children in care who were denied the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA). This apology, issued in the Manitoba Legislature on October 8, 2024, is a significant step toward addressing the injustice that these vulnerable children faced over a 14-year period.
A long-standing fight for justice
Our firm has been involved in this case since 2018, representing the children and their families who were affected by the Manitoba government’s decision to withhold CSA payments. Between 2005 and early 2019, more than $335 million intended for children in care was redirected to Manitoba’s general revenue instead of being used to support their care, education, and development.
The Children’s Special Allowance is a critical federal payment, equivalent to the Canada Child Benefit, meant to help children in care receive the same financial support as other children across the country. Denying these funds had far-reaching consequences for their wellbeing and future opportunities.
The court’s ruling
In 2022, the Court of King’s Bench ruled that the Manitoba government’s actions violated the Charter rights of children in care, exacerbating their disadvantages. The ruling was a landmark moment in the fight for justice for these children, acknowledging that they had been wrongfully denied the financial support they were entitled to receive.
The court’s decision resulted in a $530 million settlement, which will be used to compensate affected children, cover legal fees, and support the administration of funds. This outcome is a long-overdue victory for children who have been among the most vulnerable members of our society.
Minister Fontaine’s apology is a significant recognition of the harm caused and a step toward healing. In her statement, she expressed deep sorrow and regret for the impact this policy had on the lives of children in care. Cochrane Sinclair is proud to have stood by our clients and to have played a role in securing this apology and compensation.
Our firm congratulates our clients for their courage and determination in standing up for children when others would not. We also extend our thanks to Minister Fontaine for the formal apology and recognition of this profound injustice.
Cochrane Sinclair remains committed to advocating for the rights of vulnerable children and ensuring that injustices like this are addressed. We encourage any affected individuals to contact the claims administrators for information on how to participate in the compensation process.
For the full video apology and news coverage of this development, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/apology-lawsuit-settlement-1.7346330
