Policy

Settlement in class-action lawsuit reached

Paige LeClair July 31, 2019

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Earlier this month the Government of Canada reached a final settlement between the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, Staff of Non-Public Funds and the plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit filed by seven former members of the CAF.

Lawsuit Details

The lawsuit for the proposed $900 million settlement is looking for compensation in regards to members, staff and employees of the CAF, DND and SNPF who experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation in connection with their military service and/or employment with the DND/SNPF.

Four former members of the CAF initiated lawsuits in the Federal Court, while three others have filed similar actions in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and British Columbia.

Deloitte, who is monitoring the current class-action lawsuit is looking for other current or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces, current or former employees of the Department of National Defence and Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces to join the class action suit.

Potential plaintiffs have until August 30 to submit a participation form.

Statement from DND and CAF

Deputy Minister Jody Thomas and Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance issued the following statement, “Today, the Government of Canada announced that a settlement has been reached between the Canadian Armed Forces/Department of National Defence/Staff of the Non-Public Funds and the plaintiffs in class action lawsuits initiated by seven former members of the CAF.

“The proposed settlement sets out financial compensation, the option to participate in a restorative engagement program, and several other measures aimed at addressing sexual misconduct in the CAF.

“We are pleased that the government and the plaintiffs have been able to reach a comprehensive settlement which will advance the project of real and lasting cultural change. We recognize our obligation to ensure a safe work environment for all women and men in the Canadian Armed Forces, employees of the Department of National Defence and Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces, who experienced sexual misconduct – including sexual harassment, sexual assault or discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation – in connection with their military service or civilian employment.

“To all those who have had the courage to come forward as part of these class actions – and to those who will come forward – we offer our sincere regret that you experienced sexual misconduct in our workplace.

“We recognize that it takes a lot of courage to come forward to share difficult and painful experiences, and press for change.

“We hope that the settlement will help bring closure, healing, and acknowledgement to the victims and survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination. The settlement includes several measures that are aimed at ensuring the CAF and DND will continue to take the necessary steps to achieve lasting, positive change.”

The hearing to approve the proposed settlement agreement is scheduled for September 19 and 20, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Federal Court in Ottawa.