A long-awaited payout is finally here for many current and former Government of Canada employees who were affected by the infamous Phoenix pay system debacle. If you were a casual, student, part-time, or short-term federal worker between 2016 and 2020 and experienced payroll issues, you may now be eligible for compensation of up to $875.
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What is the Phoenix Pay System Lawsuit About?
The Phoenix payroll system, launched by the federal government in February 2016, caused widespread payment errors that affected tens of thousands of public servants. The issues included underpayments, overpayments, and missed pay entirely, pushing many employees into financial hardship.
This class-action lawsuit, led by plaintiff Ezmie Bouchard, aimed to hold the federal government accountable for the chaos caused by the failed payroll rollout. Bouchard, who worked as a student at Passport Canada in 2016, alleged that she ended up owing more than $4,800 due to mismanagement.
On April 15, 2025, the Superior Court of Quebec approved a class-action settlement. While the Attorney General of Canada did not admit liability, they agreed to compensate affected employees.
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Who Is Eligible for the Phoenix Settlement?
To be eligible for compensation, you must meet the following conditions:
- Employment Type: You must have been employed in a casual, student, part-time, or term position (under 3 months).
- Employment Period: You must have worked at least one day during one or more of the following fiscal years:
- Feb. 24, 2016 – March 31, 2017
- April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018
- April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019
- April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020
- You must have worked in a department or agency covered under the Phoenix system during that period.
- You must have experienced a pay problem related to the Phoenix system.
For more details on departments covered and other conditions, refer to the official government website.
How Much Money Can You Receive?
Compensation depends on which fiscal year(s) you worked and experienced pay issues. Here’s the breakdown:
| Fiscal Year | Maximum Compensation |
|---|---|
| Feb. 24, 2016 – March 31, 2017 | $350 |
| April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018 | $175 |
| April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019 | $175 |
| April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020 | $175 |
| Maximum Total | $875 |
How to Submit Your Claim
Filing a claim is simple and entirely online. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Personal Record Identifier (PRI)
- Your date of birth
- Confirmation of eligibility criteria
- Updated banking information for direct deposit
Visit the official settlement claims portal to fill out your form.
Deadline to file: October 24, 2025
Final Thoughts
This payout represents long-overdue recognition of the hardships many employees faced due to the Phoenix pay crisis. If you think you’re eligible, don’t wait. Gather your documentation and submit your claim to avoid missing out.