The Federal Court of Canada recently certified a class action seeking damages for Abuse of Black Inmates. This page will provide important updates about the class action, including links to documents for class members.
The Class Action seeks damages for Black Federal Inmates who experienced one or more forms of “Abuse” while behind bars. If you fit the following definition, you are a member of the Class:
All Black persons who experienced any of the following while an Inmate in a Federal prison at any time between April 17, 1985 and December 13, 2023 (and were still alive on December 13, 2023):
- unauthorized application of physical force by CSC Staff;
- racialized verbal abuse by CSC Staff;
- confinement in administrative segregation or a structured intervention unit; OR
- assault or racialized verbal abuse by non-Black Inmates that CSC Staff permitted to occur or unreasonably failed to prevent or stop.
What do I need to do next?
If you think you fall within the class action or may have a claim, your next step is to read the Notice documents approved by the Court:
IMPORTANT: if you wish to make a claim through the class proceeding, you do not need to submit documents at this time.
The most important thing that Class Members who wish to make a claim in this class action need to do is to check this website periodically for updates. Please note that for incarcerated class members, important information notices will also be provided through postings at Federal Institutions.
You can also help out other Class members by spreading the word about this class action to anyone who might be a member of the Class.
Note: Opt-Out Forms – which are for persons who do not wish to be a part of this class action only – will be available soon. The Opt-Out Deadline is February 20, 2026.
Court Documents
Certification Ruling
December 13, 2023
Notice Plan Approval
October 23, 2025