Children's Special Allowance settlement update for members of Red River Métis CFS Class Action - opt out period begins

July 5, 2024

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, the Métis Child and Family Services Authority, Métis Child, Family and Community Services Agency and Michif Child & Family Services are pleased to announce that, as of Friday June 28, 2024, the opt out period for the Red River Métis Child and Family Services class action, formally known as the Lafontaine Class Action, has begun.

Any individuals wishing to opt out of the Lafontaine Class Action must do this formally through a form, which can be found at: http://metiscsaclassaction.ca. The time period to opt out closes at 5:00 p.m. CST on August 26, 2024.

Any individuals wishing to object to the settlement or class counsel fees must do this formally through a form, which can be found at: http://metiscsaclassaction.ca. The time period to object also closes at 5:00 p.m. CST on August 26, 2024.

"This is an important milestone for our kids and families, in that we now have the court's approval to start gathering information in advance of the dispersal of settlement dollars, which we anticipate will begin later this year, subject to court approval," said Mona Buors, the MMF's Minister for Métis Child & Family Services. "I'm so proud of the dedicated team that has been with our kids since the beginning. The depth of care the team has for our kids shows in the way we have maintained contact with so many of our kids, in many cases becoming part of their extended kinship network as they move into their adult lives. These relationships will help us as we continue to work toward delivering settlement dollars to all eligible class members."

Individuals who were in the care of either of the Métis Agencies between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2019, or the caregivers of these individuals, are encouraged to visit http://metiscsaclassaction.ca for more information.

The court settlement approval hearing will be held September 5-6, 2024.

"There can be no question that we will do everything in our power to ensure that every child who was subjected to this discriminatory policy receives what is owed to them," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "For some, these settlement dollars might be the difference between just getting by and the opportunity to dream of things like home ownership or further education. We have remained steadfast in our commitment to walking alongside our kids, as their allies, champions and supporters for every step of this process."

"Your Red River Métis Government has committed to ensuring that all children in care will be receiving every dollar that they are entitled to," said President Chartrand. "This was important to myself and all those involved. I am so happy that we are yet another step closer to finalizing this historic settlement."

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710

Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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