B.C. settles solitary confinement lawsuit for $60 million

British Columbia has agreed to a settlement of up to $60 million over the use of solitary confinement in provincial jails between April 2005 and October 2025; the claims period opened this month and ends Jan. 11, 2027.

The British Columbia government has reached a settlement of up to $60 million in a class-action lawsuit over the use of solitary confinement in provincial correctional facilities. The suit, filed in 2018, alleged the practice amounted to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. The B.C. Supreme Court approved the settlement in October and the claims period began this month. Eligible class members have a deadline of Jan. 11, 2027 to submit claims. Key facts: - The settlement covers people held in segregation for 15 or more consecutive days, and inmates with mental illnesses held in solitary, in B.C. jails between April 2005 and October 2025. - Up to $60 million is available in total under the agreement. - Individual payouts may reach up to $91,000 through portions set aside for serious harms and for people with serious mental illness. - The settlement was approved by the B.C. Supreme Court in October and the claims process began this month. - The deadline to file a claim is Jan. 11, 2027. Summary: The settlement establishes a compensation process for people who experienced prolonged segregation in B.C. correctional facilities over a 20-year period. The claims window is open now and will close on Jan. 11, 2027.