Court Approves Settlement in the Class Action regarding the RCMP Long-Term Disability Insurance Plan

HALIFAX, Aug. 21, 2014 /CNW/ - On August 5, 2014, the Federal Court of Canada approved the settlement between the Government of Canada and the members of the White class action regarding the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long-Term Disability Insurance Plan.

The settlement provides fairness and equity to all affected members. Going forward, RCMP members on Long-Term Disability (LTD) will no longer have their benefits reduced under the provisions of the Pension Act. In addition, members of the class action will be entitled to retroactive payments based on the terms and conditions of the settlement.

Quick Facts

• As of 2012, there were an estimated 904 individuals affected by the Pension Act offset under the RCMP LTD insurance plan, at an estimated cost of $75 million.
  
• Class action members currently receiving or who formerly received disability benefits under the plan, and whose benefits were reduced by the Pension Act offset, may be entitled to a pre-determined retroactive settlement payment.
  
• Affected members should direct all settlement questions to the plaintiffs' legal counsel at the following email: [email protected].

Quotes

"This negotiated settlement reconfirms the Government of Canada's commitment to the care and well-being of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police personnel. This settlement is in the best interest of RCMP members and Canadian taxpayers."

– The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

"We are pleased that this litigation has been brought to a successful resolution. We hope that this settlement will bring some comfort and assistance to this large class of RCMP veterans. We thank David White and the late Gerard Buote for their commendable representation of the class."

– Class Counsel Peter Driscoll, Ward Branch and Dan Wallace

SOURCE: McInnes Cooper

Sandra Goodwin, 902-444-8438, [email protected]