Winnipeg committee recommends city proceed with $7M payment to men wrongfully convicted of murder

The City of Winnipeg’s executive committee is recommending that a $7 million payment be made to three First Nations men wrongfully convicted of murder in the 1970s. Brian Anderson, Allan Woodhouse and Clarence Woodhouse were convicted in March 1974 for the murder of Ting Fong Chan. All the men were sent to prison. In 2023, Anderson and Allan Woodhouse were acquitted. A new trial was ordered for Clarence Woodhouse. The Crown did not call any witnesses and he was found not guilty. Chief Justice Glenn Joyal presided over the case. In July 2023, he told a packed courtroom in Winnipeg that the men were not guilty. “You are innocent and you deserve the acquittals,” said the judge, who was supposed to preside over a new trial. “I’m happy to offer an apology on behalf of the institution and system that failed you. “You are heroes in every sense of the word.” Clarence Woodhouse outside the Winnipeg courthouse on Oct. 3, 2024 after being found not guilty. Photo: Cierra Bettens/APTN. Now all three men are suing the city and both federal and provincial governments for the wrongful convictions. According to the statement of claim filed in Winnipeg, the men allege five different causes of action including; negligence investigation, false arrest and false imprisonment, conspiracy and Charter of Rights violations. According to city lawyers, if the settlement is approved, the lawsuits will be discontinued Approval has to come from Winnipeg’s city council. The $7 million will be split between the three men and the provincial and federal governments are expected to add to the sum. Continue Reading