The Claims Period is now open. Claimants have until July 27, 2028 to submit a Claim for compensation.
Hiring a Lawyer
Free resources and supports available
Free supports and resources are available for all Class Members to understand the Claims Process and submit their Claim.
The Claims Administrator receives and reviews Claims, answers questions about the Claims Process and Claim Form, provides updates, and connects Claimants and Representatives with free supports. They also decide eligibility and compensation, clarify documentation, and send decision letters or requests for missing information.
Claims Helpers are available to help you complete your Claim Form and answer your general questions about the Claims Process.
Class Counsel is available, free of charge, to answer your legal questions about the Settlement and the Claims Process.
Hiring a Lawyer
Some people may prefer to work with a lawyer. A lawyer can help explain the rules of the Settlement, complete the Claim Form, gather documents, and communicate with the Claims Administrator on your behalf.
If you receive compensation, the lawyer who assisted you 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 amount for their assistance with an Approved Claimant’s Claim. This payment will not be deducted from the Approved Claimant’s compensation payment.
Deducting any fees from the claimant’s compensation payment is prohibited by the Court. If counsel believes that they should be entitled to an amount greater than 5%, they may apply to the Court for an amount up to 10%. If approved, this additional amount will be paid directly by the Government of Canada. It cannot be deducted from the Claimant’s compensation.
You receive your compensation directly. A lawyer does not receive or handle your payment.
Lawyers working with someone who is not eligible for compensation will not be able to submit a request for legal fees.
What lawyers can and can’t do
A lawyer can help explain the Settlement terms, complete the Claim Form, gather documents, and communicate with the Claims Administrator on your behalf.
You can choose any practicing lawyer in Canada who is in good standing.
Check the law society website to make sure a lawyer is licensed to practice law in a Canadian province or territory, is practicing law, and is in good standing.
A lawyer may help you:
- Understand the Settlement Agreement and the Claims Process
- Complete the Claim Form and help gather documents
- Communicate with the Claims Administrator
A lawyer cannot:
- Promise a specific compensation level
- Make decisions about your Claim without your consent
- Act as legal counsel if they are not practicing law or are not in good standing with their law society
How lawyers are paid
If the requirements of the Settlement Agreement and the Individual Legal Fees Protocol are met, the lawyer is paid separately after the Claims Administrator receives the required documents.
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 amount for their assistance with an Approved Claimant’s Claim. This payment will not be deducted from the Approved Claimant’s compensation payment.
Deducting any fees from the claimant’s compensation payment is prohibited by the Court. If counsel believes that they should be entitled to an amount greater than 5%, they may apply to the Court for an amount up to 10%. If approved, this additional amount will be paid directly by the Government of Canada. It cannot be deducted from the Claimant’s compensation.
The Claims Administrator may refuse to pay a lawyer when they:
- are not in good standing
- are not licensed to practice law in Canada
- are not practicing law
- do not respond to the Claims Administrator
- provide false or misleading information
- mislead the Claimant
- submit incomplete or incorrect documents
- act in ways that harm or delay the Claim
- engage in unprofessional conduct or gross negligence
- If a lawyer does not receive payment, this does not affect the Claimant’s compensation. The Claimant still receives their payment directly.
How to choose a lawyer
The Claims Administrator and Claims Helpers cannot recommend specific lawyers but can provide information to help Class Members understand their choices.
Law societies are the official regulators for lawyers. They make sure lawyers follow rules, meet standards, and are allowed to practice law. They offer resources for Claimants to check to see if a lawyer is in good standing.
For Class Members thinking about hiring a lawyer
- Speak with more than one lawyer before deciding if you want to hire your own lawyer.
- Check the law society website to make sure the lawyer is licensed to practice law in a Canadian province or territory, is practicing law, and is in good standing.
- Ask the lawyer to explain how they will support you and how they will communicate with you.
- Ask the lawyer to explain their retainer agreement in plain language.
Contact your provincial/territorial law society. Below is a list of provincial and territorial law societies with their contact information. Please contact the law society in the province or territory where you live for help finding a lawyer for legal support.
