Families minister apologizes as part of CFS settlement

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/10/2024 (361 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine apologized Tuesday to children in care who were denied federal special allowance payments from 2005 to 2019.

“Today, as minister of families, and on behalf of the people of Manitoba, let me express our deepest sorrow and regret to every Manitoba child denied the children’s special allowance,” she said in the legislative assembly Tuesday.

“This was not just a financial mistake. It was a profound injustice, leaving some of our most vulnerable children without the supports they needed and rightfully deserved.”

The formal apology was part of a $530-million settlement compensating every child affected by the provincial government clawback. The NDP government had child-welfare agencies remit the federal benefit to the province in 2005, saying it was in compliance with the law because it was providing services to children in care.

The Progressive Conservative government stopped the practice in early 2019. It passed legislation the next year to prevent children in care from suing the province to get the money back. The province was taken to court over it.

A judge ruled in 2022 that the province violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Child-welfare agencies are now able to use the payments as they deem appropriate for the benefit of children in care.

“These funds should’ve nourished your dreams — helped you learn, grow and flourish,” Fontaine said.

“We recognize the pain, loss and harm caused by past government practices taking that which was rightfully yours. We are sorry.”

Fontaine acknowledged she once was a child in care.

“I know healing is possible. I know, despite the hurt, unfairness, and despite the obstacles, there is a path of healing and a way forward. You have the right to thrive,” she said to those affected.

The $530 million will compensate the affected children, cover legal fees and be used to administer funds to class-action fund members.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca