CAF members have one week left to claim up to $30,000 in settlement

Eligible current or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can claim thousands of dollars in a massive class-action settlement, but they’ll have to act fast.

Last year, the Federal Court certified a class action and approved a settlement for current or former CAF members who faced racial discrimination or racial harassment during military service.

“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,” former defence minister Bill Blair said.

The claims period for the $150-million settlement ends on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Who is eligible for the CAF settlement?

Bumble Dee/Shutterstock

The settlement covers anyone who has been or currently is enrolled as a CAF member — starting from April 17, 1985, up to and including the settlement approval date of January 2025 — who asserts that they have been subjected to racial discrimination and/or harassment.

According to the claims administrator, 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

How much could class members receive?

Andrzej Rostek/Shutterstock

Individual payments for class members range from $5,000 to $30,000, in proportion to the $150-million settlement.

How much money class members will 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.”

You can find the claims form on the claims administrator’s website.