Former soldier upset with $150-million class-action racism settlement

Former soldier Wallace Fowler, who helped initiate a class-action lawsuit alleging systemic racism within the Canadian Armed Forces, has decided to opt out of the final settlement agreement. The agreement, which has been approved in Federal Court, includes individual payments of up to $35,000 for eligible class members. However, Fowler believes that the proposed settlement amount is inadequate and does not adequately address the deep-rooted issues of racism he experienced during his time in the military.

Fowler, who is Black, served in the military for three years and faced racial discrimination, harassment, and mistreatment from fellow servicemen and women. Despite winning an award as the top student during basic training, his overall experience in the military was marred by racism. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the racism he endured, leading to his discharge in 2004.

Reflecting on his decision to opt out of the settlement, Fowler expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed monetary compensation, stating, “You can’t treat me the way you treat me and then give me money and say, OK, you’re looked after.” He has chosen to pursue his own legal action against the military, seeking accountability and justice for the harm he suffered.

Another plaintiff in the class-action lawsuit, Rubin Coward, also expressed disappointment with the settlement, believing that it sends a message to marginalized communities that their fight against racism is not valued. Coward, who served in the air force for over 14 years and now deals with complex PTSD, feels that the settlement does not adequately address the discrimination he faced during his service.

On the other hand, Jean-Pierre Robillard, another original plaintiff of Haitian descent, is hopeful that the measures outlined in the settlement will lead to meaningful change within the military. He sees the agreement as an opportunity to protect the future of the Canadian Armed Forces by addressing systemic racism and fostering a more inclusive culture.

While the legal firm behind the class-action lawsuit, Stewart McKelvey, emphasized the importance of the settlement’s systemic relief measures in combating racism within the military, Fowler believes that a public inquiry is necessary to fully address the issues at hand. He advocates for accountability and transparency in order to bring about real change and closure for those impacted by racism in the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Department of National Defence has stated that it is committed to implementing measures to eradicate racism and discrimination within the Forces. Despite ongoing efforts to address these issues, Fowler remains determined to pursue justice and accountability through his own legal action. The journey towards equity and inclusivity in the military continues, with individuals like Fowler advocating for meaningful change and accountability.