Eleven children's aid societies brought an application for judicial review challenging the Ministry of Children and Youth Services' decisions regarding their funding allocations for the 2009/2010 fiscal year.
The applicants argued that the Minister breached statutory processes, fettered her discretion by mechanically applying a funding model, exhibited a reasonable apprehension of bias, and improperly delegated review authority to Regional Directors.
The Divisional Court dismissed the application, holding that the allocation of public funds is a core policy function not subject to judicial review absent bad faith or improper purpose.
The court also found that the delegation of authority was valid and that there was no apprehension of bias or fettering of discretion.
