Strip Searches at Rivière-des-Prairies and Bordeaux
The Superior Court of Quebec approved a settlement reached in the class action which challenged the legality of strip searches of individuals taken to the Rivière-des-Prairies and Montreal (Bordeaux) detention centres for the purposes of a first video-appearance.
The agreement provides for a payment of $7,650,000 by the Attorney General of Quebec ("AGQ").
On March 22, 2024, the Quebec Superior Court approved an extension of the claim period to October 5, 2024.
Criteria to be respected
- You were brought to the Rivière-des-Prairies or Montreal (Bordeaux) centres
- For the purposes of a first video-appearance
- Between October 11, 2016 and March 20, 2020
- You have been strip searched at the detention centre prior to the video-appearance, AND
- You were released by the Court on the same day, with or without conditions.
This does not include strip searches:
- where the person was not released the same day (including situations where the release conditions were not met the same day), or
- conducted by the police.
What does the agreement include?
The settlement agreement provides for a payment of $7,650,000 by the Attorney General of Quebec which will cover: 1) compensation to class members, 2) lawyer’s fees, and 3) the costs of the distribution process.
In accordance with the Quebec Superior Court ruling of March 22, 2024, class members will receive $2,000 per eligible strip search.
How to claim?
The quickest and easiest way to claim is to fill out the online form.
You can also complete the form in paper format. If you are submitting your claim form by mail, please send it to the following address:
Proactio and RCAP inc.
Class action - Strip Searches
600 de la Gauchetière West, suite 2000
Montreal (QC) H3B 4L8
You must send us your Claim Form by October 5, 2024, regardless of whether you submit your Form electronically or on paper. The postmark will be used as proof of the date of mailing.
For Members who are detained during the Claim Period, the date the claim form is signed will be considered the date the claim form is submitted, IF the claim form is received on or before November 4, 2024, which is 30 days after the end of the Claim Period.
You will need to provide us with a copy of a government-issued photo ID with your claim form so that we can confirm your identity. This may be your health insurance card or driver's license. If you do not have an ID or the only ID you have is expired, call us at 1-866-369-5118 or 438-858-6342.
How much will the compensation be?
In accordance with the Quebec Superior Court ruling of March 22, 2024, members will receive $2,000 per eligible dig. The decision we sent you after you submitted your claim form indicates the number of digs considered eligible for the calculation of your compensation.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to your questions.
For more details, read the notice to class members.
Frequently asked questions
Documents
Judgment approvingthe agreement (French only) Notice to class members Settlement Agreement Claim form for printing Schedule - additional strip searches
For any questions related to this file, please contact us at the following address:
438-858-6342 1-866-369-5118 fouilles@proactio.caIf you are submitting your claim form by mail, please send it to the following address:
Proactio and RCAP inc.
Class action - Strip Searches
600 de la Gauchetière West, suite 2000
Montreal (QC) H3B 4L8
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