Background:
This case involved three related class actions challenging Manitoba’s policy from 2005 to 2019 that required Child and Family Services (CFS) agencies to remit federal Children's Special Allowance (CSA) Benefits for children in provincial care. Plaintiffs sought compensation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in Métis CFS agencies whose CSA benefits were clawed back by the province. The legal proceedings also addressed constitutional issues.

Legal Issues:
The plaintiffs argued that Manitoba’s policy violated section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by discriminating against Indigenous children. In 2022, Justice Edmond declared the policy invalid. The government did not appeal, leading to a settlement process. The case was consolidated with two other class actions.

Settlement and Award:
The settlement totaled $530 million. Of this, $445.2 million was allocated to Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in two other class actions (Flette and Lavallee), and $84.8 million was designated for Métis CFS children (LaFontaine). Individual compensation ranged from $150 to $86,000 for Flette/Lavallee and $200 to $60,000 for LaFontaine.

Resolution:
The court approved the settlement agreements, deeming them fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of the class members. Honorarium payments were awarded to the class representatives, including $50,000 to Elsie Flette and $5,000 each to René LaFontaine and Mary Derendorf?.