At Avize, we are committed to achieving justice and accomplishing meaningful, systemic change. The CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action stands as a landmark nation-wide class action that addressed the pervasive issues of sexual harassment and sexual assault within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Department of National Defence (DND). Initiated by seven former CAF members, the class action culminated in a historic $900 million settlement, which was approved by the Federal Court on November 25, 2019.
Background of the Case
The plaintiffs argued that systemic sexual misconduct was entrenched within the Canadian military culture, leading to significant, widespread harm experienced by staff and employees dating back to the 1950s.
Settlement Provisions
In agreeing to a settlement, the Canadian Government recognized that sexualized misconduct was pervasive in the CAF and DND and that this culture had significantly, and in some cases, permanently, harmed thousands of individuals.
The settlement provided not only financial compensation to those who endured this misconduct but also outlined a restorative engagement program whereby survivors were able to share their experiences with senior CAF and DND representatives. The settlement terms also dictated systemic policy reforms to address the harmful culture in the CAF and DND that allowed such misconduct to occur in order to prevent similar misconduct from occurring in the future.
Since the settlement was reached, thousands of class members have not only accessed financial compensation for the harm they suffered but also participated in the restorative engagement process, highlighting the importance of allowing survivors’ voices to be heard in the process of creating systemic change.
Ongoing Impact
The class action put the Government of Canada on notice that it needed to do better for those who dedicate their lives to serving their country and that turning a blind eye to horrific, systemic misconduct within any of its national organizations will simply not be tolerated. This historic settlement sent a strong message to the Government of Canada that it will be held to account for such failings.
At Avize, we stand with survivors and are dedicated to holding institutions accountable. If you or someone you know has been affected by similar systemic misconduct, our experienced legal team is here to support and guide you through the process of seeking justice.