Métis CFS launches judicial review on unreasonable arbitrator decision

June 17, 2025

Winnipeg, National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Earlier today, the Métis Child, Family, and Community Services Agency and Michif Child and Family Services Agency (the "Agencies") filed a Notice of Application in the Court of King's Bench seeking judicial review of the decision of an Arbitrator dated May 20, 2025. This decision amended the collective bargaining agreements between the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union and each of the Agencies (the "Decision"). The Agencies are asking the Court to find that the Decision is unreasonable and order that the Arbitrator reconsiders it.

The Decision mandates impose financial liabilities which the Agencies unfortunately cannot manage due to lack of adequate funding from the Province of Manitoba. As such, the Agencies have been put in the impossible position of needing to comply with the Decision until and unless quashed, while still providing the necessary services to the children and families they support.

"Our Agencies remain committed to strengthening our families through culturally relevant, community-based programming," said MMF Minister of Child and Family Services, Mona Buors. "We are seeking a judicial review to the Decision in hopes of a more stable outcome for our children, families and employees."

The Agencies are seeking an urgent hearing on this matter in hopes of a quicker answer for its employees and families.

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