Strip searches in federal prisons
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has authorized a class action for individuals incarcerated in a federal prison between June 18, 1992 and December 31, 2024, regarding suspicionless strip searches in certain situations.
The Court has not heard the case or decided whether Canada did anything wrong. There is no money available now and no guarantee there will ever be any money. If money or benefits are obtained, there will be notices about how to ask for your share.
Criteria to respect
You are a class member if you were
- Incarcerated in a federal prison
- Between June 18, 1992, and December 31, 2024.
If you know a current or former inmate who cannot read this website, please share this information with them or tell them to call us at 844-967-3702.
Your Options Regarding The Class Action
1. Stay in
You do not have to do anything to stay in the class action.
You will be legally bound by all orders and judgments, good and bad, and you will not be able to sue Canada about the legal claims in this case.
2. Opt out, until December 28, 2025
Opting out means that you will not be entitled to any money or compensation if a favourable judgment or settlement is reached in this class action.
If you do not want the judgment issued in the class action to apply to you, you must opt out from the class action.
You may want to opt out if, for example, you prefer to pursue your own individual action, at your own expense, against the defendant. It is recommended that you obtain legal advice before deciding to opt out to determine if any applicable limitation period applies.
To opt-out, please complete one of the following before December 28, 2025:
→ Complete the online form: specify that you wish to opt-out and upload the signed opt-out form.
OR
→ Send a signed opt-out form : Use the secure document filing process available on the right column of this web page or send us an email at federalstripsearch@proactio.ca to ask our staff for a secure link.
OU
→ Mail the signed opt-out form : Send it to the following address provided :
Proactio.
Class Action – Federal Strip Search
Suite 2000
600 De La Gauchetière Street West
Montréal, QC H3B 4L8
Inmates can get an opt-out form by asking a CSC employee for a copy. A copy must be provided within 48 hours of any request.
Next Steps
The court has certified the class action, which provides authorization for the case to proceed as a class action instead of individual actions. This is a preliminary step. It does not determine the liability of the defendant, who will be able to plead their defences at trial.
There is no money available now and no guarantee there will ever be any. If money is awarded, notices will be posted in prisons about how to claim for a share.
More Details
For more details, please see the Long-Form Notice.
Email List
If you want to get future updates by email, fill out the online form.
You can also send us a letter with your name, date of birth, FPS number and contact information to:
Proactio
Class Action – Federal Strip Search
600 De La Gauchetière Street West
Montréal, QC H3B 4L8
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions related to this class action, please contact us at:
Proactio 450 682-8236 1-844 967-3703 federalstripsearch@proactio.caSecure Document Filing
If you are sending your opt-out form by mail, please send it to the following address:
Proactio
Class Action – Federal Strip Search
600, rue De La Gauchetière Street West, Suite 2000
Montréal (Québec) H3B 4L8