First cheques from the Children's Special Allowance settlement given to members of the Red River Métis CFS Class Action

December 6, 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, as well as the Métis Child and Family Services Authority, Métis Child, Family and Community Services, and Michif Child & Family Services, were delighted to deliver the first of many cheques to members of the Red River Métis CFS Class Action.

The settlement is an incredible achievement for children in the care of Métis Child and Family Services Agencies who were deprived of the benefit of the federal Children's Special Allowance as a result of Manitoba's unlawful actions. Under the settlement, Manitoba will pay $84,800,000 to the Plaintiffs.

"This is not only a historic victory, but a pivotal moment in time for the children and youth in or formally in the care of our Métis CFS agencies," said Mona Buors, MMF's Minister of Métis Child & Family Services. "To those who have patiently waited for this, we know that for so many of you this is far more meaningful than just receiving a cheque - it's the recognition of something that was taken from you. For those who did not get to see this day come to fruition, know that we remember and honour your spirits today. We want every individual to be assured moving forward that we will be there to support them on their healing journey."

As part of the settlement, a portion of the funds will be used for programs and services to be delivered as part of the distribution, including the services of financial advisors.

"I, along with every child in care, have gone through many different hardships and obstacles, which makes this moment even bigger for us, as it is a hardship that we get to see justice for," said Rene Lafontaine, one of the representative plaintiffs for the case, who received her settlement cheque today. "This outcome makes my heart so happy, as I and individuals in care get to experience things that we may not have had access to before. This allows for individuals to better their future, whether this will be used for educational purposes, a car, or a down payment for a home. It makes us one step closer to that future than we were before, and that I am thankful for."

"This money does affect me, but it also affects my kids, and that probably makes me feel the greatest about it," said Stuart Stephen, who also received his settlement cheque today. "I'm putting this money into my kids, so they can have a better life than I did. That's what this money is for. Honestly, it makes me really happy that my kids get to see a better side of life than I did, and the MMF helped with that."

More information about the cheque distribution process will be available to class members in the coming weeks. Class members have until February 21, 2037 to claim their compensation.

More information about the Class Action can be obtained by visiting https://metiscsaclassaction.ca, emailing info@metiscsaclassaction.ca, or phoning 1-877-835-4546.

"It fills me with tremendous pride to be able to start delivering these cheques and honouring our longstanding promise to the Youth who were or still are in our care," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "We told them that every single dollar that was taken from them, plus interest, would be returned and now they're seeing our commitment in action. I'm proud of the strength, determination and leadership displayed by all three of these initial recipients, and I look forward to seeing them all reach for dreams that were once out of reach."

 

-30-

 

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

 

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.

 

---

View More