Compensation ranges from $10,000 to $200,000 depending on the severity of abuse experienced by patients
NEWS RELEASE FEDERAL INDIAN HOSPITALS SETTLEMENT ************************* The claims period for the Federal Indian Hospitals settlement is open. People can now submit a claim for compensation for psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital during the years it was operated by the Government of Canada.
This court-approved Settlement was approved by the Federal Court in June 2025. Compensation ranges from $10,000 to $200,000, based on the severity of the abuse experienced.
The settlement does not include compensation for medical malpractice or claims connected to medical treatment. It also doe…
Compensation ranges from $10,000 to $200,000 depending on the severity of abuse experienced by patients
NEWS RELEASE FEDERAL INDIAN HOSPITALS SETTLEMENT ************************* The claims period for the Federal Indian Hospitals settlement is open. People can now submit a claim for compensation for psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital during the years it was operated by the Government of Canada.
This court-approved Settlement was approved by the Federal Court in June 2025. Compensation ranges from $10,000 to $200,000, based on the severity of the abuse experienced.
The settlement does not include compensation for medical malpractice or claims connected to medical treatment. It also does not include claims connected to any hospital that is not listed in Schedule D of the Settlement Agreement.
Class Members have until July 27, 2028, to submit a Claim for compensation.
Federal Indian Hospitals were a network of hospitals operated by the Government of Canada at various times between 1936 and 1981. People admitted to these hospitals experienced psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse.
“Today is an important milestone for the settlement because the claims period is open and people can now submit a claim for compensation,” says Doug Lennox, Counsel, Klein Lawyers, LLP and Class Counsel representative. “Free support is available to help people understand what’s included in the Settlement, how to submit a claim, and how to access mental health and wellness supports.”
The Settlement includes the creation of a foundation which will manage two separate funds:
- A Healing Fund that will provide $150,000,000 to support healing, wellness, reconciliation, protection of languages, education and commemoration activities.
- A Research and Commemoration Fund that will provide $235,500,000 to support research, education and preservation of the history of Federal Indian Hospitals and locating burial sites associated with the Hospitals.
The settlement also provides for a $150,000,000 funding increase to existing Indigenous Services Canada programs to support the health and wellness of class members through the implementation of the Settlement.
Who may be eligible
Only Primary Class Members are eligible for individual compensation under the Settlement. Primary Class Members may be eligible if they:
- were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital listed in Schedule D during the years it was operated by the Government of Canada, and
- experienced abuse, including psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse, while admitted.
In some cases, a Federal Indian Hospital may be listed under another name. A full list, including alternate names and locations, is available at www.IHSettlement.ca.
Estates of Primary Class Members who passed away on or after Jan. 25, 2016, may also be eligible to submit a claim through the estates process.
Family Class Members are not eligible for individual compensation under the Settlement. All Class Members will benefit from the work of the Foundation and additional supports.
Supports and wellbeing
- Free resources and support are available to help people move through the Claims Process at their own pace.
- Claims Helpers can help people understand the process and complete a Claim Form.
- The Claims Administrator can provide status updates on a Claim, answer questions about the Claims Portal, and connect you to other resources, including Class Counsel.
- Class Counsel is available, free of charge, to answer legal questions about the Settlement and the Claims Process.
- Claimants may choose to hire a lawyer. This is a personal choice, and a lawyer is not required to submit a Claim for compensation. Free resources are available. If a Claimant does hire a lawyer and receives compensation, the lawyer who assisted them can request their legal fees be paid by the Government of Canada.
- Emotional and mental health support is available 24 hours a day through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or www.HopeForWellness.ca. Services are free, confidential, and available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut upon request.
How to submit a claim
The easiest and fastest way to submit a claim is through the online claims portal at www.IHSettlement.ca. People can also download the claim form through the website or request a paper copy by calling the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.
“People do not have to go through this alone,” added Steven Cooper from Cooper Regel LLP and Class Counsel representative. “If you want help understanding the steps, gathering information, or completing the Claim Form, there are Claims Helpers and other supports available. People can take the time they need.”
Learn more and get help
Visit www.IHSettlement.ca, sign up for email updates, or call the toll-free Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 (weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, except for holidays). You can also email [email protected].
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