Joint SCO, MKO, and MMF Letter to Premier Pallister Re: Bill 34 Indigenous Children and Children’s Special Allowance

April 3, 2020

April 3, 2020,

A letter (Letter to Premier Pallister Re. Bill 34 Indigenous Children and Children’s Special Allowance PDF) was sent this morning by Southern Chiefs’ Organization, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., and Manitoba Metis Federation to Premier Brian Pallister regarding Bill 34. Bill 34 steals federal childcare benefits from vulnerable children in the care of child and family services.

The Manitoba government has taken $250,000,000 in Children’s Special Allowance Funds and put it into general revenue. This is illegal and immoral as this money is for children. Bill 34 also removes the right to sue Manitoba Government for the claw back and removes accountability of Manitoba’s actions by removing judicial oversight and judgement.

The Government of Manitoba’s push for Bill 34 legislation at a time when all attention is on COVID-19 is shameful.
Reconciliation is more than words. Reconciliation requires positive action, morality, and justice—not stealing from the most vulnerable children in Manitoba.

The MMF, MKO, and SCO look forward to an immediate confirmation that the MB government will move to amend Bill 34.