FAQs
Frequently asked questions
About the Settlement
What is a class action?
A class action is a lawsuit which provides a method for a large group of people with common claims to jointly advance one large claim. Class actions allow a a large group of people to receive compensation for harms/abuses committed against them.
The individuals included in a class action are called Class Members. Unless they exclude themselves by opting out, Class Members are included in the lawsuit.
What were Federal Indian Hospitals?
Federal Indian Hospitals were a network of hospitals across the country that were operated by the Canadian Federal Government, for the treatment of individuals who were admitted. Abuses, including psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse, were committed against people admitted to Federal Indian Hospitals.
There are 33 Federal Indian Hospitals included in the Settlement.
The term “Indian” is outdated, not inclusive and even offensive. Why use it?
We recognize the term “Indian” can be painful, harmful, and reflects past policies, discrimination, and trauma. We use the term when referring to Federal Indian Hospitals because that was the term used at the time, and it appears in legal and administrative documents. Using this term in this context is done for clarity and accuracy to match what people remember and what the Settlement includes.
What do I give up by staying in the class action?
If you did not Opt Out of the Settlement by August 25, 2025, and have remained in the class action, you are considered a Class Member. This means you are eligible to make a Claim for compensation under the Settlement in recognition of harms you experienced but will not be able to start an individual lawsuit regarding psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital as you have “released” the Government of Canada from liability (responsibility).
Nothing in the Settlement requires you to give up your right to start a lawsuit against a province or religious institution for its involvement in a Federal Indian Hospital, or other hospitals and medical facilities.
Please read the Settlement Agreement carefully and contact Class Counsel if you have any questions.
Who is the Claims Administrator?
Deloitte LLP has been appointed as the Claims Administrator for this Settlement. They are responsible for managing the Claims Process, reviewing Claims, and sending out compensation to Approved Claimants.
How is the Claims Administrator getting paid?
The Claims Administrator is paid directly by the Government of Canada as part of the Settlement. This payment is separate from compensation for Class Members and the funding for the Healing Fund and the Research and Commemoration Fund.
Is the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement connected to other Class Action Settlements?
No. The Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement is separate from other Settlements.
You may be eligible for the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement if:
- You were admitted to one of the 33 Federal Indian Hospitals included in Schedule D of the Settlement Agreement, during the time these hospitals were operated by the Government of Canada, and,
- You experienced psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse while you admitted
If you have questions about eligibility or the Claims Process, free help is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-1901 or email GeneralInfo@Contact.IHSettlement.ca.
Eligibility
What kind of harms does the Settlement cover?
The Settlement will provide compensation to eligible Primary Class Members who suffered psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse while they were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the Government of Canada.
Are claims related to medical treatment included?
The Settlement does not provide compensation for medical malpractice or other claims connected to medical treatment at a Federal Indian Hospital.
Individuals with medical claims can make a claim for compensation for psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital under the Settlement and also separately pursue an individual lawsuit for the medical claims if they wish.
For further information about this, please contact Class Counsel.
How do I know if I am eligible?
You may be eligible for compensation if you were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while the hospital was operated by the Government of Canada.
The Settlement does not include Claims connected to medical treatment.
Will there be compensation for Class Members who have passed away?
Primary Class Members who passed away on or after January 25, 2016, may be eligible through the Estates Process when the Claims Process opens.
Compensation
How do I submit a Claim for compensation?
Compensation is not yet available. The Federal Court has approved the Claims Process. This means the Claims Period will start on January 27, 2026. More information on how to submit your Claim will be available then.
What can I do to get ready to submit my Claim?
While waiting for the Claims Period to open on January 27, 2026, there are a few steps that may help you get ready:
- Gather government-issued ID (photo ID if you have it), for example a status card, health card, provincial ID card, or driver’s licence)
- Confirm your current mailing address and contact information
You can check back to this website and sign up for email updates to stay informed.
Free resources and support will be available to help you when the Claims Period opens.
Your rights under the Settlement
What do I give up by staying in the class action?
If you did not Opt Out of the Settlement by August 25, 2025, you are eligible to make a claim for compensation under the Settlement but will not be able to start an individual lawsuit regarding psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital as you have released the Government of Canada from liability (responsibility).
Nothing in the Settlement requires you to give up your right to start a lawsuit against a province or religious institution for its involvement in a Federal Indian Hospital, or other hospitals and medical facilities.
Please read the Settlement Agreement carefully and contact Class Counsel if you have any questions.
What happened at the Settlement Approval Hearing?
The Federal Court heard from Class Counsel and the Government of Canada, as well as representatives of the Class, at the Settlement Approval Hearing on June 10 and 11, 2025.
The Court has now approved the Settlement.
Legal Information
How much is Class Counsel paid?
No part of Class Counsel fees will be paid by Class Members. Class Counsel fees will be paid separately by the Government of Canada. These fees will not be deducted from Class Members' compensation.
Canada has agreed to pay Class Counsel fees in the amount of $40 million, plus tax and reasonable disbursements.
Do I need to hire a lawyer to submit a claim for compensation?
You do not need to hire a lawyer, that is a personal choice.
There are free resources and supports available to help you:
- Claims Helpers are available to help you complete your Claim Form and answer your questions about the process.
- The Claims Administrator can provide status updates on a Claim, answer questions about the Claims Process and how to use the Portal, and connect you to other resources like Class Counsel.
- Class Counsel is available, free of charge, to answer your questions about the Settlement and the Claims Process.
- Claimants can hire a lawyer to assist them. If a Claimant is awarded compensation, the lawyer who assisted them can request their legal fees be paid by the Government of Canada. The Government of Canada, in accordance with the Settlement Agreement and Individual Legal Fees Protocol, will pay a practicing lawyer in good standing in a Canadian province or territory an amount up to 5% inclusive of disbursements, plus applicable taxes, of the value of the compensation award for their assistance with an Approved Claimant’s Claim. This payment will not be deducted from the Approved Claimant’s compensation payment. Any amount above the 5% (up to a total of 10%) must be approved by the Court.
Can I hire my own lawyer to help submit my Claim?
Claimants can hire a lawyer to assist them. If a Claimant is awarded compensation, the lawyer who assisted them can request their legal fees be paid by the Government of Canada. Free Claims Helpers are also available to assist Claimants complete their Claim Form.
The Government of Canada, in accordance with the Settlement Agreement and Individual Legal Fees Protocol, will pay a practicing lawyer in good standing in a Canadian province or territory an amount up to 5% inclusive of disbursements, plus applicable taxes, of the value of the compensation award for their assistance with an Approved Claimant’s Claim. This payment will not be deducted from the Approved Claimant’s compensation payment. Any amount above the 5% (up to a total of 10%) must be approved by the Court.
