CAF Systemic Racism Class Action – Quarterly Update

Current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who experienced racial discrimination or racial harassment during their military service between April 17, 1985, and January 10, 2025, may be eligible for a monetary payment under the Federal Court-approved CAF Systemic Racism Class Action Final Settlement Agreement (FSA). Final dollar amounts may be adjusted based on class size, as set out in the FSA.

Submitting a claim

To submit a claim, visit the Canadian Armed Forces Racial Discrimination/Racial Harassment Class Action Claims Administration website (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).

Systemic Relief Measures Update

The FSA also mandates that the institution implements Systemic Relief Measures (SRM) to improve the organizational culture and systems with the objective of addressing and eliminating racism, racial discrimination and racial harassment in the CAF.

A CAF Systemic Racism Class Action Coordinating Committee has been set up to provide advice, guidance, and direction on the design and implementation of the SRM that form part of the FSA, and to report on SRM implementation to the Chief of the Defence Staff and Deputy Minister.

The Committee's inaugural meeting, held on March 19, 2026, established a shared understanding of the Committee's mandate, governance framework, and expectations for engagement. Special emphasis was placed on trauma-informed practices, psychological safety, and the integration of lived experiences. The meeting also provided initial strategic orientation on Research and Analysis and Restorative Engagement, which are the two key SRM defined by the FSA.

The Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC), formerly known as the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), continues to lead the design and delivery of Restorative Engagement (RE) as agreed upon in the CAF Systemic Racism Class Action Settlement. Between October 2025 and April 2026, the DCSRC hosted design consultations with current and former CAF members and Veterans with lived experiences of racial discrimination and racial harassment, as well as subject matter experts, advisory and advocacy groups. These consultations will inform the development and implementation of the RE program to support affected members of the Defence community.

Have questions?

To learn more, visit the Frequently Asked Questions on the Claims Administrator website (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).

Questions related to Restorative Engagement may be sent to the following confidential mailbox: [email protected].

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