Vancouver (Richa Walia): A proposed settlement worth up to $60 million has been reached in a class-action lawsuit concerning the alleged improper use of solitary confinement in British Columbia’s correctional facilities.
The Quebec-based law firm Proactio, which is administering the case, issued a statement on Saturday announcing the agreement, which still awaits approval from the B.C. Supreme Court. If approved, eligible claimants could receive up to $91,000 in compensation.
The lawsuit accuses the B.C. government of violating the rights of inmates by subjecting them to prolonged solitary confinement, resulting in significant emotional, physical, and psychological harm. The class-action includes individuals incarcerated after April 18, 2005, who were held in solitary confinement or segregation for at least 15 consecutive days, or individuals with known or suspected mental illnesses who were similarly confined.
According to Proactio, the plaintiffs allege that the province’s correctional system engaged in “cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment” by isolating prisoners for over 22 hours per day without meaningful human interaction. The notice of civil claim filed in Vancouver asserts that such practices not only breach domestic laws but also violate international human rights standards.
The lead plaintiff in the case reportedly suffered from multiple mental health conditions, including borderline and anti-social personality disorders, and endured solitary confinement at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre. The claim says this and similar confinement led to severe psychological effects, including hallucinations, depression, paranoia, insomnia, self-harm, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions.
B.C.’s Ministry of Attorney General confirmed that it has agreed to jointly propose the settlement to the court. The Ministry emphasized that the province had learned from similar litigation in other jurisdictions and aimed to resolve the matter efficiently, avoiding prolonged and costly legal battles.
“This is not a finalized settlement,” the ministry said in a statement, noting that the court will determine whether the agreement is fair and reasonable. A public notice about the proposed settlement was distributed Saturday, marking the start of the approval process.
A hearing to review and potentially approve the settlement is scheduled for October 22, 2025. Class members have until September 2 to support or oppose the proposal or to opt out if they were confined after December 22, 2020—in which case, they forfeit compensation but retain the right to file an individual claim.
If the court grants approval, class members will then be able to submit claims for compensation.
Law firms Koskie Minsky LLP and McEwan Partners LLP have been appointed as class counsel. Proactio will serve as the class action’s administrator.
The settlement, if approved, could mark a significant moment in Canadian prison reform, shedding light on the mental health toll and legality of prolonged solitary confinement practices.
