Class-Action Lawsuit Regarding Canadian Armed Forces Personnel Who Faced Racism Settled

The Canadian government settled a class-action lawsuit with members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who faced racism during their time in the military.

The settlement covers current and former members of the CAF who experienced racial discrimination and racial harassment in connection with their military service at any time from April 17, 1985, to January 10, 2025.

It is worth up to $150 million, with individual payouts ranging from $5,000 to $35,000.

“I am pleased that the Federal Court of Canada has approved the Final Settlement Agreement of a class action for current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who experienced racial discrimination and/or racial harassment during their military service,” said Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair in a statement.

Making a lasting positive change

In his statement, Blair acknowledged the impact discrimination can have on individuals and acknowledged the CAF’s support for the settlement.

“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.

“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.”

Blair has called for the CAF community to come together and listen to each other’s grievances to improve workplace culture.

“Military members have a fundamentally different workplace experience. In many cases, they work side by side, 24 hours a day, as a unit. When a CAF member experiences racism in the workplace, the cohesiveness of an effective military is eroded.

It is my belief that the key to achieving lasting, positive change is to listen to our members—past and present—at all levels, as it is with everyone’s input that a more inclusive culture—appreciative of diversity, equity, and varying perspectives—can flourish.”

Other aspects of settlement

The settlement is not limited to financial compensation only. The settlement approved by the government allows Class members to be part of the restorative engagement process, which will allow them to communicate their experiences with senior CAF leadership.

Other restorative measures include “other systemic relief measures to improve the organizational culture and systems within the CAF with the objective of addressing and eliminating racial discrimination and racial harassment in the CAF.”

Class members can also opt for a personalized letter of apology from the Chief of the Defence Staff.

Receiving entitlements

To be eligible for the payment, the individual must be a member of the Class. Class is defined as “all persons who are or have been enrolled as CAF Members at any time from April 17, 1985, and for any duration up to and including the Approval Date, and who assert that they have been subjected to Racial Discrimination and/or Racial Harassment,” according to the settlement.

Class members will each receive the common experience payment, which is $5,000. However, individuals can share their own experiences and stories, which could qualify for a larger payment. Three levels can award either $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000, respectively, based on the judgement of the Independent Assessors.

Learn more about the settlement and the claims process here.