Canadian Armed Forces Systemic Racism Class Action Coordinating Committee
Current status of the call for applications: Closed
Thank you for your interest in the Canadian Armed Forces Systemic Racism Class Action Coordinating Committee. Applications are now closed.
The selection process for Class Member Representatives is on hold until an appeal is resolved
An appeal of the Federal Court’s Order approving the settlement of the CAF Systemic Racism Class Action was filed in the Federal Court of Appeal on March 17, 2025. As per the Final Settlement Agreement, this matter must be resolved by the Court before the Claims Period and the implementation of Systemic Relief Measures can begin. Please note that Court timelines are beyond our control. Please check back for future updates.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Systemic Racism Class Action (SRCA) Coordinating Committee is seeking a minimum of three Class Member Representatives who are current or former CAF members to join the Committee.
Class Member Representatives will have a crucial role as part of the SRCA Coordinating Committee. Through their participation, Class Member Representatives’ perspectives and lived experiences will be sought in support of implementing the Systemic Relief Measures (SRM) as outlined in the SRCA Final Settlement Agreement (FSA). Becoming a Class Member Representative provides a unique opportunity to positively contribute to culture change.
On this page
- Who can apply
- How to submit an application
- Selection process for Class Member Representatives
- About the SRCA Coordinating Committee
- Roles and responsibilities of Class Member Representatives
- Compensation and expenses
- Additional information
Who can apply
This Call Out for the SRCA Coordinating Committee Representatives is open to individuals who are Class Members of the SRCA. The SRCA FSA defines Class Members as all persons who:
- have been enrolled as a CAF member at any time from April 17, 1985, for any duration, up to and including January 10, 2025; and
- who assert that they have been subjected to racial discrimination and/or racial harassment in the context of their military service.
How to submit an application
If you are a Class Member of the SRCA interested in becoming a Class Member Representative on the SRCA Coordinating Committee, complete the Expression of Interest Questionnaire before April 3, 2025:
Information submitted via this questionnaire will be received by the SRCA Coordinating Committee, which is part of the Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) organization in the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF. The information will be administered and protected in accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act and Access to Information Act. Information provided will only be used for mandated activities relating to the SRCA Coordinating Committee.
If you have any difficulties accessing the questionnaire or completing a submission, please contact the SRCA Coordinating Committee at SRCA Coordinating Committee.
Selection process for Class Member Representatives
- Once the period to express an interest in becoming a Class Member Representative is over, the Defence Advisory Group Secretariat will compile a list of potential Class Member Representatives.
- The list of proposed Class Member Representatives will then be provided to the Plaintiffs and the Defendant (together, the “Parties”) for consideration.
- The Parties will make all reasonable efforts to reach an agreement upon the selection of at least three Class Member Representatives from the list.
- But failing any such agreement between the Parties, class counsel shall select the representatives from the list.
About the SRCA Coordinating Committee
- Composition:
- Representatives of all relevant DND and CAF groups responsible for Systemic Relief Measures as stated in the SRCA FSA, including the three Class Member Representatives selected from this Call Out;
- Defence Advisory Groups (DAGs), and;
- External subject matter experts.
- First Meeting: The first SRCA Coordinating Committee meeting will be held by the end of May 2025.
- Frequency: The SRCA Coordinating Committee will meet monthly in a hybrid or virtual format in MS Teams, with additional meetings scheduled as needed based on the progress of implementation.
- Quorum: A quorum shall consist of a majority of the SRCA Coordinating Committee members, including at least one representative from DND and CAF, and two out of the three Class Member Representatives.
- Decision-Making: Decisions will be made by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions will be made by majority vote. In the case of a tie, the SRCA Coordinating Committee Chairperson will cast the deciding vote.
- For more information on the SRCA Coordinating Committee, please consult the Terms of Reference.
Roles and responsibilities of Class Member Representatives
- Attendance: Mandatory attendance of all scheduled monthly meetings during work hours (held in virtual format), with additional meetings as required.
- Estimated Time Requirements: This is estimated to be a four-year commitment. It will require approximately five hours per month for meetings, consultations, and additional input.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with other members and the SRCA Coordinating Committee Chairperson to provide pertinent guidance and advice in a timely manner.
- Timely Completion: Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
- Analysis and Input: Review and provide input on progress reports.
- Consultations: Participate, as needed, in consultations on Systemic Relief Measures and related activities.
- Communication: Engage in open and active communication with the other SRCA Coordinating Committee members between meetings, including secretarial discussions.
- Work environment: Must have reliable access to Internet and an electronic device that has camera and microphone functions as meetings will be held via MS Teams.
- Official Languages: Meetings will be held in both official languages, with members encouraged to express themselves in the official language of their choice.
- Confidentiality: Members are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding discussions and deliberations within the SRCA Coordinating Committee to preserve the integrity of the process and protect sensitive information.
- For more information on the SRCA Coordinating Committee, please consult the Terms of Reference.
Compensation and expenses
- Retired/Former CAF members will receive honorarium for their time on the SRCA Coordinating Committee.
- Former CAF members who are now public service employees at DND will be permitted to use regular work hours to fulfill their SRCA Coordinating Committee responsibilities.
- Currently serving CAF members will be permitted to use regular work hours to fulfill their SRCA Coordinating Committee responsibilities. They may need to establish an agreement with their Chain of Command, if requested.
- All Coordinating Committee meetings will be virtual. If the Chairperson deems it necessary for Class Member Representatives outside the National Capital Region to attend meetings in person, DND/CAF shall be responsible for travel expenses, based on the National Joint Council Travel Directive. All travel and expenses must be pre-approved by the SRCA Coordinating Committee Chairperson before making any reservations or bookings.
Please contact the SRCA Coordinating Committee if you have any questions about this Call Out, the selection process, or if you need any accommodations to participate in the SRCA Coordinating Committee if selected.
We are committed to ensuring that all members can participate meaningfully and equitably on this Coordinating Committee throughout its duration.
Additional information
- Help and assistance related to racism and racial discrimination
- Canadian Armed Forces Racism Class Action
- Canadian Armed Forces Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment Class Action Claims Administration
- Terms of Reference for the Canadian Armed Forces Systemic Racism Class Action - Coordinating Committee