Canadian government and former federal employees reach settlement in 'gay purge'

The Canadian government and members of the military and other federal agenciesaffected by the so-called gay purgehave reached a proposed settlement in a class-action lawsuit launched in late 2016.

The proposed settlement requires approval by the Federal Court before any money is paid outto affected members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP and employees of the Federal Public Service whose careers were sidelined or ended due to their sexual orientation.

But it's expected that several thousand people, who wereinvestigated, sanctioned and sometimes firedfrom 1955-1996, will be eligible for the financial compensation.

An agreement in principle in the court action emerged last Nov. 24, just days before the government delivereda sweeping apology for discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.

• 'A small victory': LGBTQ Canadians 'purged' from military and public service await apology

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered the historic apologyin the House of Commons on Nov. 28, 2017.

Speaking to a packed and emotional chamber, Trudeau expressed shame, sorrow and deep regret to the civil servants, military members and criminalized Canadians who endured discrimination and injustice based on their sexual orientation.

"You are professionals. You are patriots. And above all, you are innocent. And for all your suffering, you deserve justice, and you deserve peace," he said.

"It is our collective shame that you were so mistreated. And it is our collective shame that this apology took so long many who suffered are no longer alive to hear these words. And for that, we are truly sorry."

The apology comes with $145 million, which includes $110 millionfor compensation forLGBTQcivil servants whose careers were sidelined or ended because of their sexuality, and $15 million for historical reconciliation, education andmemorialization efforts.

The Federal Court will hear submissions about the approval of the proposed settlement on June 18 and 19in Ottawa.