MKO Applauds Historic Court Decision to Approve the Children’s Special Allowance Settlement

Press Release

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – On September 5, 2024, in The Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba, an historic decision was announced by Justice Alain J. Huberdeau as he formally approved the Children’s Special Allowance (CSA) Settlement Agreement, declaring it fair, reasonable and in the best interests of the Class Members.

MKO applauds Justice Huberdeau’s decision to formally approve the $530 million settlement.

“Approval of the CSA Settlement Agreement marks an important victory for children impacted by Manitoba’s child welfare system.  It means that each child will receive 100% of their entitlement to the CSA that was wrongfully withheld from them, plus interest and additional damages,” stated Grand Chief Garrison Settee.

The CSA is a federal monthly benefit paid to a child welfare agency for a child who is in their care. The CSA is meant to be equivalent to the Canada Child Benefit, a non‑taxable amount paid monthly to help eligible families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.

In March, 2024, Manitoba agreed to resolve three Class Actions seeking reparations for Manitoba’s discriminatory CSA policy, through which Manitoba illegally took more than $334 million in CSA benefits from children who were in the custody of a Child and Family Services (CFS) Agency between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2019, a majority of whom are Indigenous.

Throughout this period, the MKO Chiefs have remained steadfast in voicing their vehement opposition to the CSA policy and they have lobbied for restitution.

While MKO was not a formal party in the CSA proceedings, MKO representatives participated in the Judicially Assisted Dispute Resolution sessions.  As well, MKO fully supported the First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority and the seven First Nations CFS Agencies mandated by the Northern Authority, who were directly involved in the case.

These First Nations CFS Agencies include:

• Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba;
• Cree Nation Child and Family Caring Agency;
• Island Lake First Nations Family Services;
• Kinosao Sipi Minisowin Agency;
• Nikan Awasisak Agency;
• Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre; and
• Opaskwayak Cree Nation Child and Family Services

“While this is a day to celebrate, we must not forget the harm and loss of opportunity the CSA policy has inflicted on so many children. Payment to these individuals will be justly awarded,” said Grand Chief Settee.

It is anticipated claim registration to eligible Class Members will begin in January 2025, and the Claim Registration Period will stay open for two years.

For more information on the CSA Settlement, visit the website at: https://www.csasettlement.com/

For more information:

Naomi Clarke, Communications Officer

Email: naomi.clarke@mkonorth.com

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