Ontario Corrections Lockdowns Class Action Settlement - Claim Submission
Summary
This content outlines the claims process for the Ontario Corrections Staffing-Related Lockdowns Class Actions Settlement. It details how eligible inmates and immigration detainees who experienced 16 or more staffing-related lockdowns between May 30, 2009, and November 27, 2017, can submit claims. Two claim forms are available: a general claim form and a statute-barred claim form for those legally incapable of filing earlier. Compensation ranges from $2,000 to $68,000, with specific awards for basic recovery, differential impact, and serious harm.
Sections
Submit Your Claim
Claims are now being accepted for the Ontario Corrections Staffing-Related Lockdowns Class Actions Settlement.
Individuals who are eligible can now submit their claims for compensation related to staffing-related lockdowns in Ontario correctional institutions. The deadline for submitting claims is December 1, 2026.
There are two methods to submit a claim for this settlement.
Claimants can either complete and submit their claim online through the official portal at Portal.OntJailStaffLockdowns.ca, or by downloading and completing a Claim Form or a Statute-Barred Claim Form. The completed forms can be emailed to Claims@OntJailStaffLockdowns.ca or mailed to the specified address for the Class Actions Administrator.
Completing the Claim Form requires specific personal and award information.
Claimants must provide their contact details and specify the compensation awards they are claiming. For Serious Harm Awards, a detailed explanation of the incident and supporting documents are needed. For Statute-Barred Claim Forms, proof of legal inability to file due to mental incapacity is required, not just a diagnosis. Banking details are needed for direct deposit compensation.
Understanding the Claim Forms
Two distinct claim forms exist to cater to different claimant situations.
The standard 'Claim Form' is for inmates and immigration detainees who experienced 16 or more staffing-related lockdowns between May 30, 2009, and November 27, 2017. Most compensation applies to lockdowns after August 2014. The 'Statute-Barred Claim Form' is specifically for those who experienced lockdowns between May 30, 2009, and August 2014 and were legally incapable of starting a lawsuit due to a mental health or health condition; these claimants must submit both forms.
Settlement Background and Eligibility
The settlement resolves lawsuits concerning staffing-related lockdowns in Ontario correctional institutions.
The settlement addresses two class action lawsuits alleging systemic negligence and breaches of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms due to chronic staffing-related lockdowns. These lockdowns occurred between May 30, 2009, and November 27, 2017. The class includes current or former inmates and immigration detainees, excluding those incarcerated at specific institutions only.
Compensation is available for individuals experiencing 16 or more staffing-related lockdowns.
The settlement fund of $59 million is allocated for claims from eligible Class Members. Eligibility for compensation, ranging from $2,000 to $68,000, is primarily based on experiencing 16 or more staffing-related lockdowns after August 15, 2014 (inmates) or August 11, 2014 (immigration detainees). Claims for lockdowns prior to these dates may be possible through the Statute-Barred or Exceptional Circumstances Funds.
Different award types are available based on the nature and severity of harm experienced.
Compensation includes a Basic Recovery Award ($2,000 to $28,000) for all eligible claimants, a Differential Impact Award ($3,000 to $15,000) for those with mental health or suicide alerts, and Serious Harm Awards ($20,000 for Level One, $40,000 for Level Two) for specific severe outcomes during or after lockdowns. Award amounts may be subject to pro rata reductions. Claimants can receive either a Differential Impact Award or a Serious Harm Award, not both.
Defining 'Mental Disorder' for award eligibility is specific.
For Serious Harm Awards, 'Mental Disorder' is defined by specific diagnostic criteria from the DSM-4 or DSM-5, including disorders like schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and others. It excludes substance-use disorder. The diagnosis must be made by a qualified medical professional.
An Exceptional Circumstances Fund provides additional compensation options.
A separate $2 million fund is available for specific circumstances, including potential compensation for those who experienced lockdowns between May 30, 2009, and the main eligibility dates if they were legally incapable of filing a lawsuit. Amendments in October 2025 allow for further distribution of this fund to Class Members affected by limitation periods under specific conditions, without reducing individual awards.
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Ontario Corrections Lockdowns Class Action Settlement - Claim Submission
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