From the Winnipeg Free Press–Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine apologized Tuesday to children in care who were denied federal special allowance payments from 2005 to 2019.
“Today, as minister of families, and on behalf of the people of Manitoba, let me express our deepest sorrow and regret to every Manitoba child denied the children’s special allowance,” she said in the legislative assembly Tuesday.
“This was not just a financial mistake. It was a profound injustice, leaving some of our most vulnerable children without the supports they needed and rightfully deserved.”
The formal apology was part of a $530-million settlement compensating every child affected by the provincial government clawback. The NDP government had child-welfare agencies remit the federal benefit to the province in 2005, saying it was in compliance with the law because it was providing services to children in care.