It is beyond the expertise and resources of the Manitoba Law Reform Commission even to comment on it, let alone resolve it. It is a fundamental axiom of the common law of torts that a person is liable in damages for death or injury caused by his or her fault. This compensatory remedy is, however, more theoretical than real. Some governmental support is available to these children from established programs. Medical treatment is free of charge, pharmaceutical costs are subsidized and some tax benefits are given for extra medical expenses.
Social allowances are available to the destitute.
Charitable organizations may provide some assistance. In the Commission's view, the current accident compensation system in Manitoba is inadequate to the needs of vaccine-damaged children. Many jurisdictions throughout the world have introduced special compensatory initiatives to address vaccine-related injury and illness. The Commission reviews these various schemes including the vaccines covered, compensable injuries, the compensation awarded, procedures and appeals, funding, limitations, tort claims, retroactive claims and the claims experience in each jurisdiction. The Reports contains the broad principles on which a compensation plan should operate.