Indian Hospitals - Cooper Regel

COOPER REGEL, along with KOSKIE MINSKY LLP, commenced a class action on January 25, 2018 against the Attorney General of Canada alleging that its operation of “Indian Hospitals” was negligent and breached fiduciary duties owed to First Nation, Inuit & Métis people.

The claim alleges, among other things, that between 1945 and 1981 Canada transported First Nation, Inuit & Métis people to dilapidated facilities converted into hospitals where they were isolated from their family, friends and communities. The hospitals were substandard, overcrowded, and rife with physical and sexual abuse. Patients were tied to their beds, placed in full body casts and not afforded the ability to be educated or retain their Indigenous culture and heritage. Patients left these hospitals physically and psychologically traumatized. The proposed class includes First Nation, Inuit & Métis people who were admitted to an Indian Hospital operated by Canada from November 1, 1945 until 1981 as well as certain family members.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

June 26, 2025

We are pleased to announce that the Federal Court has approved the Settlement Agreement in this action. A copy of the Federal Court’s reasons for approving the Settlement can be viewed here. The approved Settlement Agreement can be viewed here.

The Claims Process is not yet open. Compensation is not yet available. Information about how to claim will be provided in the future when Class Members can apply for compensation. Notice of the Claims Process will also be posted on this webpage and on the class action website here.

June 10, 2025

On June 10 & 11, 2025, Class Counsel appeared before the Federal Court of Canada to present submissions in support of the proposed settlement agreement reached between the parties. We now await the Court’s reserved decision.

March 6, 2025

A proposed settlement between the parties was announced in Ottawa. The full news release can be viewed here.

Compensation is not yet available. The Settlement Approval Hearing will take place on June 10 and 11, 2025 where the Federal Court will hold a hearing to decide whether to approve the proposed settlement and Class Counsel Fees. The Court will consider whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class.

Please read this important update

Information about the settlement refers to sensitive issues, including physical and sexual abuse, which individuals may find triggering and traumatic. If you or someone you are assisting experiences symptoms of trauma and/or needs to speak to someone, support is available:

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or www.hopeforwellness.ca
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
Federal Indian Day Schools Health and Cultural Support Program
Mental health counselling benefits under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Crisis Line: 1-844-413-6649
Talk 4 Healing support for Indigenous women: 1-855-554-4325 or Talk4Healing Website
Find your local Friendship Centre

We have a QUESTIONNAIRE (not an application) if you wish to submit your information. If you would like a Questionnaire, please contact our office at info@CooperRegel.ca or 1-800-994-7477, Once you have filled it out, please send it back to us (email, fax or regular mail).