A class action lawsuit involving former residents of the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC), a home for individuals with developmental disabilities, has reached a resolution. The court has approved a settlement of $17 million, as announced by Koskie Minsky LLP, the law firm representing the residents in the suit.
The lawsuit was initiated in 2018 by David Weremy, a former resident of the MDC during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Weremy alleged that he and other residents were subjected to abuse at the facility. The settlement, which was finalized in March, was approved by the court on May 25, 2023, as being fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class members.
The settlement fund will provide financial compensation to class members who claim they suffered certain harms. The fund will also finance several reconciliation initiatives. Class members are defined as those who resided at the MDC between July 1, 1951, and May 29, 2020, were alive as of October 31, 2016, and have not opted out of the lawsuit. The expected claim payments will likely range from $3,000 to $85,000.
At its peak in the 1970s, the MDC housed 1,200 people. However, the current population is less than 160, as the province ceased accepting new residents in 1996, except for short-term and court-ordered placements. The province has announced plans to wind down operations at the MDC, with closure anticipated in 2024. The remaining residents will be relocated to community living arrangements with additional support.
As part of the settlement, Premier Heather Stefanson issued a formal apology, which was read in the Manitoba legislature on June 1. Further details about the claims can be found online. This settlement marks a significant step towards justice for the former residents of the Manitoba Developmental Centre.
