In Thomas v. Canada (Attorney General), Avize’s Raj and Patrick argued in the Federal Court of Canada to certify a class action against the Government of Canada on behalf of current and former members of the military diagnosed with mental health disorders who allege they were subjected to discrimination, bullying, stigmatization, harassment, and/or abuse as a result of the prevailing culture within the Canadian Armed Forces that both condones and encourages this type of mistreatment. Despite Canada’s arguments that the claim should not be certified as a class action, Justice Zinn agreed with the submissions made by Raj, Patrick and Michaela, and certified the claim as a class action in negligence and for breach of Charter (s.15) rights in May 2024.
As with all class actions brought forward by Avize, this case is about more than compensation. It aims to drive systemic change within the Canadian Armed Forces, to help ensure that future members are not subjected to the same discrimination, stigma, or abuse related to mental health conditions.
Read the full decision here: Thomas v. Canada (Attorney General), 2024 FC 655