FAQs
Frequently asked questions
About the Settlement
Eligibility
What kind of harms does the Settlement cover?
The Settlement will provide compensation to eligible Primary Class Members who suffered psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse while they were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital.
Are claims related to medical treatment included?
Compensation is not yet available.
The Settlement does not provide compensation for medical malpractice or other claims connected to medical treatment at a Federal Indian Hospital.
Individuals with medical claims can pursue those claims on an individual basis if they wish.
You do not need to opt out of the class action to commence individual medical claims.
Eligible Primary Class Members can claim compensation under the Settlement for any psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse they suffered at a Federal Indian Hospital and pursue individual medical claims.
For further information about this, please contact Class Counsel.
How do I know if I am eligible?
You may be eligible for compensation if you were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while the hospital was operated by the Government of Canada.
Will there be compensation for Class Members who have passed away?
Primary Class Members who passed away on or after January 25, 2016, may be eligible through the Estates Process when the Claims Process opens.
Compensation
How do I submit a Claim for compensation?
Compensation is not yet available.
More information about the Claims Process, including how to submit your Claim, will be shared when it is available.
Your rights under the Settlement
What do I give up by staying in the class action?
The Settlement is binding on all Class Members who do not opt out.
If you do not opt out of the Settlement by August 25, 2025, you will not be able to start an individual lawsuit regarding abuse experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital.
This means you will be releasing Canada from liability for all psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital and you will be eligible to make a Claim for compensation under the Settlement in recognition of the harms that you experienced.
Nothing in the Settlement requires you to give up your right to start a lawsuit against a province or religious institution for its involvement in a Federal Indian Hospital, or other hospitals and medical facilities.
Please read the Settlement Agreement carefully and contact Class Counsel if you have any questions.
What happened at the Settlement Approval Hearing?
The Federal Court heard from Class Counsel and Canada, as well as representatives of the Class, at the Settlement Approval Hearing on June 10 and 11, 2025.
The Court has now approved the Settlement. If you do not wish to receive compensation under the Settlement, you can opt out by August 25, 2025.
Legal Information
How much is Class Counsel paid?
No part of Class Counsel fees will be paid by Class Members. Class Counsel fees will be paid separately by the Government of Canada. These fees will not be deducted from Class Members' compensation.
Canada has agreed to pay Class Counsel fees in the amount of $40 million, plus tax and reasonable disbursements.
Do I need to hire a lawyer to submit a claim for compensation?
Resources and supports will be available to help you submit your Claim for compensation.
You can hire your own lawyer to help prepare your Claim for compensation. Class Members will be able to hire any Canadian lawyer to assist with their Claim.
Class Counsel fees are separate from direct legal support for Claims assistance, available to Class Members under the Settlement.
Canada will pay lawyers who assist Class Members with their Claims an amount up to 5% (plus tax) of the compensation awarded, inclusive of disbursements. Lawyers assisting Class Members with their applications for compensation can ask the Federal Court to approve up to an additional 5% (plus tax) in legal fees, inclusive of disbursements. These amounts will be paid separately by Canada. These fees will not be deducted from any Class Member’s compensation.