CAF members can claim up to $35,000 in new class-action settlement
If you’re a current or former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), you might be able to claim thousands of dollars in a class-action settlement.
On Monday, law firm Stewart McKelvey announced that the Federal Court certified a class action and approved a settlement for current and former CAF members who experienced racial discrimination or racial harassment during military service.
“Discrimination is a painful reality for too many people. The work of combatting bias, barriers, and discrimination, which have taken root over generations, demands ongoing, relentless action,” said the Minister of National Defence Bill Blair in a statement.
“Our institution supports this settlement as it demonstrates the commitment to ensuring that we provide our CAF members with a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace, where one can reach their full potential.”
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The settlement affects anyone who has been or is currently enrolled as a CAF member starting from April 17, 1985, up to and including the settlement approval date of January 2025, who has been subjected to racial discrimination and/or harassment.
According to the law firm, the settlement will provide the following:
- Payment for class members who experienced racial discrimination or racial harassment in connection with their military service
- The option to participate in a restorative engagement process with the assistance of qualified and trained restorative practitioners
- The option to receive a personalized apology letter from the Chief of the Defence Staff
- Other systemic relief measures to improve the organizational culture and systems within the CAF
Individual payments for class members can range from $5,000 to $35,000, in proportion to the $150 million settlement.
“The individual payments to Class Members, as assessed by the Independent Assessors, may need to be reduced on a pro-rata basis so that the total amount of payments to Class Members does not exceed $150 million,” reads the settlement notice.
How much class members could receive is split up into different categories and levels.
The common experience payment goes to eligible CAF members who confirmed that they’ve experienced racial discrimination and/or racial harassment connected to their military service. They can claim up to $5,000.
Class members who choose to share their experience of racial discrimination or harassment could get $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 if an independent assessor determines they are entitled to additional payment. That depends on the severity of impacts on “personal dignity, bodily and/or emotional integrity, spiritual well-being, and individual relationships.”
“If the total amount of individual payments to Class Members is less than $100 million, the individual payments to Class Members may be increased by a maximum of 20%,” reads the notice.
The law firm says the claim period isn’t open yet. More information on that process will be available on the class action site.
Class members who don’t wish to participate in the class action or settlement can submit an opt-out form before April 10, 2025. The forms are available on the class action site.