Over 60 workers laid off by Métis Child and Family Services

Emotions remain high after more than 60 staff members were laid off by Métis Child and Family Services (MCFS) on Thursday.

A move that has led to plenty of finger-pointing across the province as to who is all fault. But from speaking to workers inside the agency, they say it’s the children in care who will tragically pay for this decision.

“It feels like another Jordan’s Principle situation where everyone is pointing at another level of government and not taking on their own responsibilities,” said an MCFS worker CityNews spoke to.

Speaking to CityNews anonymously due to fears for their jobs, social workers at MCFS say the cuts will have an immeasurable impact on the services they offer.  Most of those affected work at four shelters created to provide a safe space for children in care. 

“Our Métis CFS authority claims to operate based off of is it good for the children’ as their slogan and all we were left thinking was nobody is thinking about what’s best for the children,” the worker explained.

“These are right now two governments still dangling who is going to be left to blame, when the children are put at risk,” said David Chartrand, the president of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Chartrand says the agency was counting on Federal funding to pay for the shelter programs through an agreement under Bill C-92, but at this point the government hasn’t signed it yet. Saying Ottawa has since asked Manitoba to help foot the bill.

“They are misleading Canadians, they are misleading everyone saying now that the province has got to put equal or more before they will put any money into it, that was never what the legislation said,” said Chartrand.

As for the Union representing the agencies, the MGEU says they are only trying to get the best for their workers, who have been without contracts since the end of 2023. 

“Their job is required for Manitoba, it’s a really crucial function to keep families safe, children safe, so it’s a tough day today,” said Kyle Ross, the president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union.

In a statement to CityNews, a spokesperson from Minister of Families office said, “Our government appreciates everyone working to support children in care across our province and we know the best agreements for workers are made at the bargaining table.”

CityNews will have more on this story, as it becomes available.