MMF pleased by province's decision to let CSA court ruling stand

August 4, 2022

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, also known as the Manitoba Métis, acknowledges the Government of Manitoba's decision to abide by the Child Special Allowance (CSA) court ruling.

"We are pleased that Manitoba's government has accepted the court's decision that taking funding intended to go directly to our Red River Métis kids in care was wrong," said Mona Buors, MMF Minister for Métis Child & Family Services. "While there are still outstanding decisions to be made about how the money will be returned to them, we are seeing that the provincial government is acting in good faith, which gives us hope that the matter will be resolved soon."

The CSA provides payments to child welfare agencies and other provincial and federal institutions and agencies that care for children and are the equivalent to Canada Child Benefit given to parents who are raising their children. Payments range from $530-$800 per child monthly. In 2006, the province of Manitoba began forcing agencies to give the CSA to the province, which were put into general revenues. The funding is intended to be spent directly on children in care with medicine, clothing, school supplies or as a safety net for those leaving care.

"The MMF has always taken the position that the CSA should go directly to our kids in care, and not be used to offset the cost of running our agencies or providing necessities for our kids," said Minister Buors. "That's why our view has always been that this court case is about fighting for our kids and the financial head start they need and deserve."

In May of 2022, Justice Edmond ruled in favour of kids in care, following a multi-million-dollar lawsuit brought against the province by 15 Indigenous Child and Family Services Agencies for misuse of the Children's Special Allowance (CSA). In total, the court ruling affirmed that the province misappropriated $250 million that was intended for kids in the care of Indigenous CFS agencies.

"We are glad that we will be able to restore this head start for all our children," said Minister Buors. "Funds for the kids who remain in care will be set aside in a trust until they are ready to start transitioning out of care. Our Youth who were formerly in care have told us that their need for these funds is immediate and urgent. That's why we will advocate for quick resolution of any outstanding questions or required dialogue. It's past time for all our kids to receive what always belonged to them."

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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 origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Manitoba Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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

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