Custody Rating Scale Class Action

The Correctional Service of Canada uses a standardized scoring tool known as the Custody Rating Scale (“CRS”) to assign security classifications to inmates and place them in maximum, medium and minimum security facilities.

This proposed class action, filed in the Federal Court of Canada, asserts that the CRS discriminates against Indigenous inmates, especially Indigenous women, by assigning higher security classification scores to and imposing higher security placements on Indigenous inmates, especially Indigenous women.  The proposed class action seeks compensation for Indigenous inmates and injunctive relief to compel the Correctional Service of Canada to end its discriminatory practice.

A copy of the Statement of Claim is linked here:  Statement of Claim (Fourth Amended) March 29, 2023

The application to certify this class action was dismissed by Justice Aylen of the Federal Court of Canad

a, largely on procedural grounds.  The proposed representative plaintiffs have commenced an appeal of the certification decision.