While not admitting liability, the Government of Canada has agreed to settlement of the class action for current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who experienced racial discrimination or harassment in connection with their military service.
The proposed settlement covers members and former members of the CAF who experienced racial discrimination and/or harassment in connection with their military service at any time from April 17, 1985.
If approved, the settlement provides:
- Payment for Class Members who experienced racial discrimination and/or racial harassment in connection with their military service.
- The option to participate in a restorative engagement process to share your experience with senior CAF leadership and with the assistance of qualified and trained restorative practitioners.
- Other measures to improve the organizational culture and systems within the Canadian Armed Forces with the objective of addressing and eliminating racial discrimination and harassment.
A hearing to approve the proposed settlement is scheduled to take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia and by video conference on July 16 and 17, 2024. You have several rights and options to share your opinion on the proposed settlement ahead of the July hearing.
| 1. Do nothing | If you support the proposed settlement, you do not have to do anything. Please note that by doing nothing, you will give up any right to object to the settlement and to sue Canada on on your own. |
| 2. Opt out of the class action | If the settlement is approved by the Court and you do not wish to be bound by it, you can opt out of the class action. You will have 90 days from the date the Court issues an order approving the settlement to choose to opt out. If you opt out, you will not be entitled to any payment from the settlement, but you will keep the right to take legal action against Canada on this issue on your own, subject to any time or other legal limitations applying to your claim. |
| 3. Submit a statement of support | If you wish to explain your support for the proposed settlement without attending the hearing, you can complete a Participation Form. Class counsel must receive this form by mail, courier, or email no later than June 27, 2024. |
| 4. Object to the proposed settlement | If you wish to explain why you object to the proposed settlement without attending the hearing, you can complete a Participation Form. Class counsel must receive this form by mail, courier, or email no later than June 27, 2024. |
| 5. Participate in the settlement hearing | You can attend the approval hearing in person at the Federal Court or by videoconference on July 16, 2024 in Halifax, Nova Scotia starting at 9:30 a.m. ADT, to voice your support or objection to the proposed settlement. The Court will decide if you will be permitted to make oral submissions at the time of the hearing. However, in order to be eligible to participate in the hearing, you must submit a completed participation form. Class counsel must receive this form by mail, courier, or email no later than June 27, 2024. |