Long wait for victim services 'just feels disrespectful,' says mom of Winnipeg teen attacked with machete

A Winnipeg mother, whose son was severely injured in a machete attack this summer, says she is frustrated by poor communication from a provincial support program meant to assist crime victims.

Meghan Smart’s son is eligible for Manitoba's *Compensation for Victims of Crime* program, which covers certain expenses for victims of violent crimes. However, Smart says she waited for weeks without receiving any response to her inquiries, leaving her uncertain about what costs would be reimbursed.

“It’s been almost three or four weeks since I’ve heard anything from them. And I’ve sent numerous emails, as well as phone calls,” Smart told CBC on Tuesday. She applied to the program while her 15-year-old son was still hospitalized after the August attack.

“Not even a yes or no, or, ‘Here’s what we can cover, go ahead and gather more receipts.’ It’s just complete silence,” she said.

After CBC contacted provincial officials and the Victim Services department, Smart said the program finally responded on Wednesday, apologizing for the delay and confirming that most of her expenses would be covered.

Although she’s relieved to have some clarity, Smart believes the system still has gaps and expressed frustration over the lack of timely support.

Her son sustained injuries “from head to toe” in the assault, requiring stitches, staples, and surgical intervention from multiple medical teams to repair nerve damage, scarring, and injuries to his hands.

To help her son recover at home, Smart had to buy a new bed and a bath chair. His recovery also involves numerous hospital visits for wound care and physiotherapy, forcing Smart to take time off work to manage his care.

Shortly after the attack, she launched an online fundraiser to cover initial expenses, but donations have slowed while many financial needs remain unmet.

Reflecting on the delayed communication from the compensation program, Smart said, “It just feels disrespectful. You’re already going through the worst time of your life, trying to keep yourself together, and on top of that, there’s no real support. It’s really disappointing.”

Province Plans Improvements

Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said the machete attack—where a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old were charged—helped prompt new legislation aimed at restricting machete access in the province.

Wiebe acknowledged the delays in victim compensation and said the government is working on expediting the process. “We’ve already doubled the number of adjudicators from three to six in the past six months,” he explained, adding that they are also exploring ways to simplify the application process.

While Smart is grateful to finally receive answers, she hopes the province will address systemic shortcomings to prevent other victims from facing similar delays.

“There are other people out there going through the same situation I am,” she said. “I just hope [Victim Services] can improve, help other victims, and be more responsive and considerate.”