This blog explains in more detail (i) the role of the representative plaintiff, and (ii) who forms part of the class.
The Proposed Representative Plaintiff, Glenys Rogers, brings this action on her own behalf and on behalf of all persons in Canada who are currently or were formerly Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and who identify as female. This group is referred to as the “Class” in this type of legal proceeding, and form the group of people suing the Government of Canada.
A “Member” of the Canadian Armed Forces includes all members of the CAF, including the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
If you are currently, or were previously employed as an officer, officer cadet, non-commissioned member, and/or a member of any commands, formations, and units, including cadet organizations, and you identify as female, you are part of the Class, and may take part in this Class Action.
There is no required time-frame for when the discrimination, harassment or abuse took place, and currently-serving members may take part. Communications between class members and Wagners will be kept confidential.
Do class members need to have suffered sexual discrimination or abuse?
The “class” is defined as “all persons in Canada who are currently or were formerly Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and who identify as female”. If you fall within this definition, you are presumptively part of the class.
There need not be ongoing legal actions in relation to sexual discrimination or abuse for someone to become part of the class.
It is too early to know how compensation, if any, will be distributed.
Female members of the CAF have experienced a wide range of inappropriate sexual conduct, ranging from subtle gendered discrimination – such as exposure to degrading expressions, sexual jokes and innuendos – to more apparent incidents of sexual harassment and assault. In all cases, such behaviour creates a sexualized culture and workplace environment that is hostile to women. All members, male and female, should be able to work in an environment where they feel safe, comfortable and that is free of discrimination.
Please do not hesitate to contact us by email at [email protected] or call toll free at 1-800-465-8794 for more information. All communications with Wagners will be kept confidential.