Statement from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to Members of the Bouchard Class Action Regarding a Settlement
November 27, 2024
OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) acknowledges the settlement agreement reached between the Government of Canada and the members of the Bouchard class action. This settlement is a significant milestone in addressing the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian public service.
The Bouchard class action was filed in 2009 on behalf of approximately 5,700 Indigenous employees and former employees of the federal government who alleged discrimination in hiring, promotion, and other aspects of their employment. The settlement, which was approved by the Federal Court on November 22, 2024, includes a compensation package and other measures to address the systemic issues that led to the discrimination.
Compensation
The settlement includes the following compensation:
- A lump-sum payment to each class member ranging from $10,000 to $200,000, depending on the severity of the discrimination they experienced.
- An additional payment of up to $10,000 for loss of career opportunities.
- An additional payment of up to $20,000 for pain and suffering.
Other Measures
In addition to compensation, the settlement includes a number of other measures to address systemic discrimination in the federal public service, including:
- The establishment of a new Indigenous Human Resources Council to advise the government on Indigenous recruitment, retention, and career advancement.
- The development of a new Indigenous Employment Strategy to address the specific barriers faced by Indigenous employees.
- The creation of a new Indigenous Leadership Development Program to support the career advancement of Indigenous employees.
Next Steps
The Treasury Board Secretariat is currently working on the implementation of the settlement agreement. This includes the distribution of compensation payments and the development of the new measures to address systemic discrimination.
Statement from the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board
“The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and to creating a public service that is inclusive and representative of all Canadians. This settlement is an important step in addressing the systemic discrimination that Indigenous Peoples have faced in the federal public service. We are grateful for the courage and determination of the class members who pursued this action. We are committed to working with Indigenous leaders and organizations to ensure that the federal public service is a welcoming and equitable workplace for all.”
Contact
For more information on the Bouchard class action settlement, please contact:
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Media Relations 613-369-9400 [email protected]
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