Winnipeg settles with First Nations men wrongly convicted in 1973

Settlement Reached for Wrongfully Convicted Men

The city, province, and federal governments have settled with three First Nations men wrongfully convicted of the 1973 slaying of a restaurant worker.

Details of the Acquittals and Lawsuits

Allan Woodhouse and Brian Anderson were formally acquitted of the 1973 slaying of Ting Fong Chan in 2023. They filed lawsuits in the Court of King’s Bench the following year. Clarence Woodhouse, acquitted in October 2024, filed his lawsuit last February. A fourth man, Russell Woodhouse, died over a decade ago.

Background of the Convictions

All four men were members of the Pinaymootang First Nation in the Interlake. The three lawsuits were discontinued in late November, according to court records. None of the parties commented on the terms of the confidential deal.

Mediation and Settlement Proposal

Lawyers for the governments and the wrongfully convicted men met for confidential mediation with King’s Bench Justice Ken Champagne last summer. In October, the city’s legal department proposed that Winnipeg pay $7 million for its part of the settlement, which city council approved later that month. The report indicated that the lawsuits would be discontinued if a settlement was reached.

Government Statements

It is unclear how much the province and Ottawa contributed. Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe stated that the matter was settled to the satisfaction of all involved. He described the situation as a miscarriage of justice and expressed hope that the settlement brings closure.

Comments from Officials

Ian McLeod, a spokesman for the federal Department of Justice, declined to comment, stating, “The matter was settled and is confidential.” City spokesman Kalen Qually also declined to comment and referred to the legal department’s report.

Legal Representation

The men are represented by lawyers from Innocence Canada, a non-profit organization that advocates for the wrongfully convicted. James Lockyer, who has advocated for their case, also declined to comment.

Background of the Case

In 1974, the three living men and Russell Woodhouse were convicted in the 1973 slaying of Chan, a 40-year-old father of two. The charges were based on questionable eyewitness testimony and confessions that the accused claimed were coerced. They testified that Winnipeg police officers beat them during interviews, but the judge did not believe them.

Prosecution and Claims

The cases were prosecuted by Crown attorney George Dangerfield, who was involved in multiple wrongful convictions. He died in 2023. The claims against the governments included misfeasance in public office, false arrest, false imprisonment, and other violations.

Prison Time Served

Anderson served 10 years, Clarence Woodhouse spent 12 years, and Allan Woodhouse served 23 years before being declared innocent. Russell Woodhouse also served time and died of cancer in 2011.

Judicial Review Ordered

Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser ordered a review of Russell Woodhouse’s conviction last month. A notice was filed in court in October, but the Court of Appeal has not yet heard the matter. This is the first time a federal attorney general has requested a judicial review after the death of an applicant.