Claims period now open for CAF-DND sexual misconduct class action settlement
May 25, 2020 - Defence Stories
Individuals affected by sexual misconduct in the military workplace may now submit a claim for financial compensation and to participate in a restorative engagement program. This is the next step that was outlined in the court approved settlement of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND) sexual misconduct class action lawsuit.
The period to submit claims started on May 25, 2020, and will continue for 18 months, ending on November 24, 2021.
The Final Settlement Agreement was approved by the Federal Court of Canada in November 2019. It applies to people who experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination based on gender, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation while serving in the CAF, working for DND, or for the Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces.
“We fully support participation in this settlement and we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of those who come forward,” said Deputy Minister Jody Thomas and the Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance. In their message sent to all Defence Team members in November 2019, they also expressed hope that the settlement will help support the healing process of people who have experienced sexual misconduct.
This settlement provides financial compensation for those who have been harmed by sexual misconduct as well as changes to CAF and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) policies. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences with senior CAF-DND representatives through a facilitated restorative engagement process. The range of individual compensation for most eligible class members is $5,000 to $55,000. Compensation will depend on the type of sexual misconduct, an assessment of the harm suffered, and the number of class members that submit claims. Class Members who experienced exceptional harm may be eligible for amounts up to $155,000. This is also the case of those who have previously been denied VAC benefits in respect of that harm, and whose application for reconsideration is also denied.
To learn more about the settlement and submit a claim, visit the class action website at www.caf-dndsexualmisconductclassaction.ca or call 1-888-626-2611.
Services:
- Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (24/7)
- Canadian Forces Health Services Centres
- Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (24/7)
- The Family Information Line (24/7)
- CAF Chaplain Services
- Employee Assistance Program for DND Employees (24/7)
- Employee and Family Assistance Program for Staff of the NPF Employees (24/7)
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