The British Columbia government has reached a resolution in a class-action lawsuit, agreeing to a settlement of up to $60 million regarding the prolonged use of solitary confinement in provincial correctional facilities over a span of two decades.
Approved by the B.C. Supreme Court in October, the settlement marks a significant step in addressing concerns raised over the treatment of inmates placed in segregation within correctional institutions. The lawsuit contended that such practices amounted to “cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment.”
Individuals eligible to claim a share of the settlement include anyone who spent 15 or more consecutive days in solitary confinement in a B.C. jail between April 2005 and October 2025, as well as inmates with mental illnesses subjected to such conditions.
According to the settlement documents, class members could potentially receive compensation of up to $91,000 by submitting a claim before the deadline of January 11, 2027. Additionally, those who experienced severe repercussions as a result of their solitary confinement may be eligible for amounts up to $85,000, with further payouts of up to $3,000 for those subjected to extended periods of isolation, and $6,000 for individuals with significant mental health issues.