COVID-19 Information
Vaccination for children
Conflict about vaccinating children can be very polarizing. This can cause great stress for parents and for children.
The following are resources to assist parents:
- The Family Resolution Service can offer family coaching or mediation to separating or separated parents. To access the services, please contact the service during regular business hours Monday- Friday at 204-945-2313 or Toll Free at 1-844-808-2313. You can also email getguidance@gov.mb.ca.
- Mediation Services has a course on Covid conversations to support partners working through their opposing views. You can find more information at Covid Conversations: A Roadmap To Existing Together With Opposing Views.
If you and the other parent are unable to mediate, you can connect with your family law lawyer for court based resolution options to address your concerns The Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba has issued a Practice Direction regarding court applications about parental decision making on the vaccination of a child. Based on the recommendations of public health authorities, there will be a presumption applicable to the issue of parental decision making that in light of the dangers posed by COVID-19, the recommended vaccinations are in the best interest of the child. Additional information is provided in the Practice Direction which can be found here: Practice Direction: Contested Motions Respecting the Vaccination of a Child
Family law matters and COVID-19
COVID-19 can create additional stress and worry for parents and children - especially those going through separation or divorce. Families can use these resources to help address some of their concerns:
- Parenting arrangements during COVID-19 (pdf)
- Updates to court processes
- Kids Help Phone
- Talking with children and youth about COVID-19 - This guide was developed for child care providers, but may also be helpful for parents.
For non-urgent questions call our Get Guidance line during regular business hours: 204-945-2313 (Winnipeg) or 1-844-808-2313 (toll-free). Emails may also be sent to GetGuidance@gov.mb.ca but are being monitored less frequently.
Other important contacts:
- If you are experiencing intimate partner violence or family violence and are in an emergency call 911. If you are in crisis, contact the domestic violence crisis line at 1-877-977-0007.
- Contact Manitoba Justice’s Victim Services at 204-945-6851 or toll free at 1-866-484-2846 if you are:
- a victim of intimate partner violence,
- your child has been a victim of crime,
- you or your family member is a designated victim under The Victims’ Bill of Rights, or
- you need information about the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights or criminal compensation.
- If you require information about a protection order, please contact Manitoba Courts at 204-945-1699 or Victim Services at 204-945-6851, toll free at 1-866-484-2846. You can also check Family Law Manitoba for other agencies that can help with intimate partner and family violence and protection orders.
- For questions or concerns about family law services - including changes to service delivery for mediation, recalculation or maintenance enforcement - visit Family Law Manitoba or Manitoba Courts.
To get support to mediate family issues related to COVID-19, please call our Get Guidance line at 204-945-2313 (Winnipeg) or 1-844-808-2313 (toll-free) or email GetGuidance@gov.mb.ca with COVID-19 Assistance in the subject line.