Métis federation asks court to throw out CFS wage parity
The Manitoba Métis Federation announced, in a news release, that both the Métis Child, Family and Community Services Agency and the Michif Child and Family Services Agency have filed notice in Manitoba Court of King's Bench asking for 'an urgent hearing' for a judicial review of the arbitrator's May 20 decision.
No one from the federation responded to interview requests on Tuesday. In the news release, it said increasing the pay for 220 workers with Metis CFCS and 110 employees with Michif CFS was 'unreasonable' and the agencies 'cannot manage due to lack of adequate funding from the Province of Manitoba.'
Mona Buors, the federation's CFS minister, said in a statement a judicial review is being sought 'in hopes of a more stable outcome for our children, families and employees.'
Kyle Ross, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union, which represents the workers, said both sides agreed to binding arbitration and accepted the choice of Michael Werier as arbitrator.
'Now, because one side is not happy with the results, it is a little frustrating,' Ross said. 'I'm sure our members are frustrated, because I know I am.'
'They ended their strike, with an agreement from the employer, that we would go to binding arbitration and they assumed, as did we, that the arbitrator, when the made a fair ruling, that it would get implemented and they would receive what the deal was settled on.'
As for whether the workers could soon be back on the picket line, Ross said 'we believe it is binding arbitration and we made the choice with our members to go to binding arbitration and end that strike so we will have to wait and see how this plays out.
'I struggle to believe they are going to be able to make a case to prove that there was something untoward happening at this arbitration.'
A total of 330 workers ended their two-week strike and returned to work on April 8 after an arbitration hearing was scheduled for April 22.
Werier later ordered 'fair and reasonable' wage increases for wage parity for both agencies.
A spokesperson said the province wouldn't comment on the legal action.
Adam King, an assistant professor in the labour studies program at the University of Manitoba, said he has been following the case because it was the first under Bill 37, Manitoba's new labour legislation.
'I was disappointed to hear this has happened,' King said.
'This was a good first example of the law and how it would work. The employer did agree to go to arbitration… it seems now the employer has sat down with their lawyers and decided to get a judicial review.'
King said persuading a judge to overturn an arbitrator's decision will be tough.
'It's very rare for this to happen,' he said. 'Generally, the courts give quite a bit of latitude to arbitrators. Overturning a decision only happens under limited circumstances.
'I think this is just an unfortunate delay procedure.'
kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Kevin RollasonReporter
Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press's city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.
Every piece of reporting Kevin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Red River Métis Business Directory now recognized by the Government of Canada as a source of verified Indigenous businesses Français
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, IN THE NATIONAL HOMELAND OF THE RED RIVER MÉTIS AND TREATY 1 TERRITORY, Aug. 20, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to working with the Manitoba Métis Federation to build Canada strong. Today, President David Chartrand of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced the official recognition by the Government of Canada of the Red River Métis Business Directory as a source for verified Red River Métis businesses. The official recognition of MMF's Red River Métis Business Directory, with currently over 850 businesses registered, means that all businesses listed businesses are now eligible for federal procurement opportunities under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB). This recognition facilitates direct access to federal contracts set aside for Indigenous businesses, including Red River Métis. Federal departments, which are mandated to award a minimum of 5% of their total procurement each year to Indigenous businesses, can now use the Red River Métis Business Directory as a trusted source. Red River Métis businesses are now able to compete for federal defence contracts, such as the Future Aircrew Training Program (FAcT), and other domestic and northern defence activities. Indigenous Services Canada is working with Indigenous partners, including the Red River Métis, to transform the federal Indigenous procurement strategy. Indigenous leaders, governments and organizations have stressed the importance of self–determination and the development of policies that are respectful of Indigenous-led definitions of Indigeneity. The recognition of the Red River Métis Business Directory is an important step forward in honouring the authority of the Manitoba Métis Federation to guide which businesses qualify as Red River Métis. Indigenous businesses, including Red River Métis, have faced systemic barriers to economic development and full participation within the Canadian economy, and are underrepresented in federal procurement, which is why Canada will continue to work with partners such as the MMF to reduce barriers, advance reconciliation, and support the growth of Indigenous businesses, including the Red River Métis. Quotes "Today is a significant achievement that will undoubtedly support and advance our Red River Métis businesses. The recognition of our business directory better enables our entrepreneurs to access significant federal contracts in growing industries – such as defence – while putting the validation of their identities in the right hands – the hands of the Red River Métis National Government, Canada's Modern Treaty partner. This is a massive step forward for our business community and starts a new chapter in our history as the economic engine of the west. When our families are strong and have financial stability, our community and our Nation cannot help but be strong. It has taken years of hard work and advocacy to bring our Red River Métis businesses into this process, and I am proud that we can make this announcement today." David Chartrand President Manitoba Métis Federation "Today, we honour the Red River Métis' right to define their own identity. By recognizing the Red River Métis Business Directory as a trusted source, we're putting control in the hands of Red River Métis businesses—opening the door to fair opportunities and a stronger role in the economy." The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty Minister of Indigenous Services Quick facts The Manitoba Métis Federation is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founder of the Province of Manitoba. In November 2024, the Manitoba Métis Federation and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs signed the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty, which laid the groundwork for Indigenous Services Canada to recognize the Red River Métis Business Directory. The Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB) sets aside some government contracts exclusively for Indigenous businesses. It is an effective way to level the playing field for Indigenous businesses across Canada, and provides them with opportunities to compete for Government of Canada contracts, grow and thrive, and expand the Indigenous economy. The Strategy is working. In 2023-24, the Government of Canada awarded over $1.24 billion in contracts to Indigenous businesses, representing 6.1% of all eligible government contracts, of which about 40% were awarded through set-aside opportunities specific to Indigenous businesses under the PSIB. Since 2021, significant engagements with Indigenous partners have been underway to develop a Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy. A key component of this collaborative work is identifying a path to transfer the administration of Indigenous Services Canada's Indigenous Business Directory to Indigenous partners, so that Indigenous Peoples decide which businesses qualify as Indigenous based on their own self-determined criteria. Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: X: @GCIndigenous Facebook: @GCIndigenous Instagram: @gcindigenous You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada
Calgary Herald
5 days ago
- Calgary Herald
Alberta Indigenous loan agency pushes back against report it would help finance joint bid for MEG Energy
MEG Energy's Christina Lake oilsands facility near Fort McMurray. MEG launched a sales process in June to review its options and invite competing bids after rejecting Strathcona's unsolicited offer in May. Photo by MEG Energy Alberta's provincial Indigenous loan agency says it 'is not in the business of participating in mergers and acquisitions,' pushing back on a report that it could help finance Indigenous groups said to be in talks with oilsands major Cenovus Energy Inc. on a joint takeover offer of MEG Energy Corp. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors A Bloomberg story earlier this week said the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corp. (AIOC) and its federal counterpart could provide financial backing for a group of First Nations and Métis communities in a potential joint bid with Cenovus to buy MEG as early as September. But on Thursday, AIOC appeared to dismiss the idea, without flatly denying the report, after concerns were raised by the chair of Strathcona Resources Ltd. — whose hostile bid for MEG in May first put the oilsands producer in play — about the fairness of the government backing one bidder in an active, competitive M&A process. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again 'Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corp.'s mandate is to backstop Indigenous communities' investments in high-quality assets that will produce income streams for generations,' the AIOC said in a statement. 'AIOC carefully examines the nature of a deal to ensure that there is minimal business risk before backstopping any deal.' A request for comment from the federal agency in charge of Ottawa's Indigenous loan guarantee program was not returned before publication. The news that a rival takeover bid for MEG from Cenovus, first reported in the Financial Post, could potentially include financial backing from provincial and federal agencies for Indigenous partners seeking to join the deal sent MEG's stock higher on Tuesday and drew criticism from Strathcona chair Adam Waterous, who said government financing would amount to a 'direct subsidy' for Cenovus' bid. 'As I said when the report first came out, we would be highly surprised if there was any truth to it,' he said in a statement responding to AIOC's remarks. 'Both AIOC and Cenovus are sophisticated and ethical organizations, and they would know that governments cannot use taxpayer money to pick winners to subsidize on a one-off basis in the middle of the competitive sale process.' Concerns were also raised that AIOC chief executive Chana Martineau serves on the board of Cenovus Energy, while vice-chair Gary Bosgoed sits on MEG's board. 'AIOC operates with the highest ethical and professional standards,' the AIOC said in a statement about its governance protocols. 'The board of directors and our employees operate under a strict code of conduct that governs their actions and behaviours.'
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Cision Canada
Métis Students Launch En Roo - A New Digital Platform Connecting Métis Learners to Scholarships, Resources and Community
Student-built app breaks down financial barriers and strengthens cultural connections EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Rupertsland Institute (RLI) and the Métis Education Foundation (MEF) have launched En Roo, a first-of-its-kind web platform designed by Métis students to help their peers access scholarships, resources, and community connections. Developed over three academic years by a team of Métis student interns led by developers Ethan Trac and Rowan Blackbeard, En Roo addresses a longstanding challenge for Métis learners: finding and managing financial supports in one dedicated space. En Roo is a web application, optimized for desktop and mobile browsers, and available to members of the Otipemisiwak Métis Students' & Alumni Association. The free platform, funded by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government through the Government of Canada, offers a curated database of scholarships exclusively for Métis students, tools to track applications from start to finish, storage for required documents, and access to community event listings and future mentorship opportunities. For lead developer Ethan Trac, the project was personal. He recalled how difficult and confusing it was to find resources as a student, saying that it was "a miracle" he discovered Métis scholarships at all. "I wanted to create an environment where I could discover and keep track of scholarships I applied for — all in one place," said Trac. He added that the process of applying was often overwhelming, with tracking done manually in spreadsheets. "En Roo allows students to easily discover scholarships while giving them the tools to keep track of their applications from start to finish." Co-developer Rowan Blackbeard shared a similar motivation for joining the project. "I got involved because I had lived the exact problem En Roo was trying to solve," Blackbeard said. "I remembered how lost I felt searching for resources, so when I saw a project dedicated to fixing that, I knew I had to contribute. As a Métis student in tech, the chance to help build a resource for my own community was an opportunity I couldn't pass up." The vision for En Roo in its first year is to launch successfully, raise awareness, and see strong adoption by Métis students. Over time, the platform will evolve based on community feedback, with plans to add mentorship features, cultural resource links, and internship opportunities. "En Roo is more than just a scholarship database — it's an empowerment tool," said Lisa Savill, Executive Director, Métis Education Foundation. "I am extremely proud that this platform was built by our Métis students, for Métis students. It reflects our vision of giving learners control over their educational journey while staying rooted in culture and community. This is a step toward removing financial barriers and ensuring Métis students have the tools they need to succeed." En Roo means "The Wheel" in heritage Michif, symbolizing the student journey with its many spokes, steps, and milestones, and reflecting a strong connection to Métis culture and identity. Students can access the platform at by signing in with their MyRLI Identity. Rupertsland Institute is an affiliate of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, mandated to deliver education, training, and research to support the advancement of Métis people in Alberta. The Métis Education Foundation provides scholarships and bursaries that remove financial barriers for Métis learners, helping them achieve their academic and career goals.
