In 2021, a class action lawsuit regarding the Manitoba Development Centre (“MDC”) in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba was certified in the Court of King’s Bench. The class action alleges that the Government of Manitoba (“Manitoba”) was negligent in its operation of MDC. The lawsuit alleges that some MDC residents were physically, sexually and psychologically harmed by staff and other residents.
No admission of liability has been made and none of the allegations in the lawsuit have been proven in Court.
The plaintiff and Manitoba have agreed to a settlement to resolve the class action. Manitoba has agreed to a settlement of $17 million for compensation to class members who allege they suffered certain harms and to provide for other agreed upon reconciliation initiatives. No admission of liability has been made. This settlement must be approved by the Court in order to be enforceable.
A Court hearing to determine if the proposed settlement should be approved is scheduled to take place on May 5, 2023.
1. Do nothing
2. Object to the proposed settlement
If you have submitted an Objection Form, you can also attend the approval hearing on May 5, 2023 at the Court House located at 408 York Avenue in Winnipeg to voice your objection to the proposed settlement. The Court will decide if you will be permitted to make oral submissions at the time. However, in order to be eligible to voice your objection, you must have completed and submitted an Objection Form setting out your reasons for objecting to the proposed settlement.
These are the important dates and deadlines associated with this case: