A historic class action lawsuit on alleged discrimination could pay out heavily for the plaintiffs.
More than a dozen Child & Family Service agencies filed three different class action lawsuits for the province's breach of Charter rights for vulnerable children, and its administration over Child Special Allowances between 2005 and 2019.
Over the 13 years, the courts learned that the province took back more than $530 Million of these benefits.
Subject to court approval, the settlement announced Monday aims to compensate affected children, cover legal fees, and administer funds to class members returning that amount in full.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine stated in a news release "This money was supposed to be used for the advancement for some of the most vulnerable children in our society, and it was taken from them. This settlement is an example of how our government is prioritizing reconciliation through action."
According to a news release from Cochrane Saxberg LLP, the law firm representing the plaintiffs, the settlement will compensate every child affected by the CSA policy, including interest and additional money for other damages and costs through the creation of a resolution fund.
