SIXTIES SCOOP SURVIVORS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION
A settlement has been reached between the Federal Government of Canada and certain survivors of the Sixties Scoop that provides compensation for loss of cultural identity.
Who is included:
- Registered Indians (as defined in the Indian Act) and Inuit as well as people eligible to be registered Indians.
- Those who were removed from their homes in Canada between January 1, 19 51 and December 31, 1991 and placed in the care of non-Indigenous foster or adoptive parents.
Those who meet the criteria above will be included in the settlement as “Class Members”. All Class Members, except those who validly opt out, are eligible for compensation.
In addition, all Class Members, except those who validly opt out, will be held to the terms of the settlement and covered by the releases in the settlement.
What the settlement provides:
- Compensation will be available for all Class Members who were adopted or made pennant wards and who were alive on February 20, 2009.
- A foundation will be created to enable change and reconciliation. The mandate and governance of the foundation will be defined through a consultation process with survivors across the country. The work of the foundation may include providing access to healing/wellness, commemoration and education activities for all communities and individuals impacted by the Sixties Scoop including those outside of the defined.
How you can get compensation:
To make a claim for money, you must fill in a Claim Form and send it to the claims office by August 30, 2019.
- You do not need to pay a lawyer to complete the form. The administrator will help you fill out the form and there are lawyers you can speak with free of charge.
- If you do not have papers from the relevant provincial or territorial child service agency documenting your placement in care or documenting your status, you should still complete the Claim Form. The administrator will make the necessary record checks for you as needed.
How much compensation you are entitled to:
Your payment will depend on how many Eligible Class Members submit claims in the settlement. The range of compensation will likely be $25,000 - $50,000. The details are explained online in the settlement agreement.
How you can exclude yourself from the settlement:
- If you want to exclude yourself from the settlement, you must opt out of the class action by October 31, 2018. If you opt out, you will not be entitled to any compensation from the settlement and your claim against Canada in respect of the Sixties Scoop will not be released. The opt out form is available online.
If you have commenced a legal proceeding against Canada relating to the Sixties Scoop and you do not discontinue it on or before October 31, 2018, you will be deemed to have opted out of the settlement.
Important Note: The settlement does not interfere with any Class Member’s ability to pursue legal proceedings against provinces or territories or their agencies for physical, sexual, or psychological abuse suffered as a result of the Sixties Scoop.
For more information and or help with the application, please contact Audrey Wilson or Lorrie Hogaboam at Community Services, 250-768-0227 to make an appointment.