Strip searches - Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this class action intended for?
This class action is for individuals who meet all of the following criteria:
- Brought for the purposes of a first video-appearance to the Rivière-des-Prairies or Montreal (Bordeaux) detention centres,
- Between October 11, 2016 and March 20, 2020
- Strip searched at the detention centre prior to the video-appearance and
- Released by the Court on the same day, with or without conditions.
Which strip searches are eligible?
Eligible strip searches are only those that took place at the Rivière-des-Prairies or Montreal (Bordeaux) detention centres on the same day as your first video-appearance and release.
This does not include strip searches:
- for which the person was not released on the same day (including situations where conditions of release were not met on the same day)
- performed by police forces.
Until when can I claim?
On March 22, 2024, the Quebec Superior Court approved an extension of the claim period to October 5, 2024.
You have until October 5, 2024, to submit your Claim Form. The date shown on the postmark will be considered your submission date.
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.
How can I obtain the date of my arrest if I do not remember it?
If you have forgotten the date of your arrest, you can call us at 438-858-6342 or toll free at 1-866-369-5118.
The lawyers who led the class action, the lawyers from the firm Trudel Johnston & Lespérance, have provided us with the relevant Court annotated dockets. We will therefore be able to verify the date of your arrest.
What type of ID can I provide?
You must provide a copy of an identification document (an ID) that has the following characteristics:
- it must have been issued by the government;
- it must have a picture of you;
- it must not be expired.
You can therefore provide a copy of your health insurance card, driver's license or passport. If you are currently detained, you can also send us a copy of your detainee’s card.
If you do not have any of these pieces of identification, contact us at 438-858-6342 or toll free at 1-866-369-5118.
How will the administrator determine if I am eligible for compensation?
The lawyers who led the class action, the lawyers from the firm Trudel Johnston & Lespérance, provided us with the relevant Court annotated dockets.
As an administrator, we will need to see an entry on those annotated dockets indicating that you were charged, present and detained and that you were released, with or without conditions.
Should it be necessary to obtain a docket to assist a member in identifying the date of his or her strip search, we will obtain the docket and pay for it out of the agreement amount. The cost of the docket will not be deducted from your compensation payment.
When will I know if my claim has been accepted?
As the Administrator, we must determine your eligibility within 30 days of receiving your claim.
How will my compensation be calculated?
Following the judgment rendered by the Superior Court of Quebec on March 22, 2024, your compensation will be calculated according to the number of eligible strip searches you have suffered. You will receive $2,000 per eligible strip search.
The decision we sent you following submission of your claim form indicates the number of strip searches considered eligible.
When will I receive my compensation?
If you claimed before March 5, 2024, your compensation should be sent to you before the beginning of June 2024.
If you claimed after March 5, 2024, but before October 5, 2024, your compensation should be sent approximately 2-3 months after October 5, 2024.
How will I receive my compensation?
Your compensation will be paid by check and mailed to the address you provided on your claim form.
Can the check be issued to my contact person?
No, even if you indicate a contact person in your claim form, the check will be issued in your name.
Do I have a deadline to deposit my check?
Yes, any check not cashed within 6 months of issue will be void. The issue date is the date indicated on the top right of the check.
What should I do if I receive last-resort financial assistance?
If you are receiving last-resort financial assistance benefits, also known as "social assistance benefits" or "social solidarity allowance," promptly inform and provide a social assistance program officer with the letter certifying the amounts received as part of this settlement. This document must allow an agent to identify you. In other words, it is important that you provide a complete copy of the document.
Amounts received through this class action will not affect the calculation of your monthly welfare benefit.