Government of Canada Online Account Privacy Breach Class Action
Reviewed by Marty Mikhail, Barrister & Solicitor with Quinn Thiele Mineault Grodzki LLPLast verified How we verify
Status
Claims openEstimated Payout
$20 to $5,000
Claim deadline
About this claim
If your personal or financial information in a Government of Canada online account was accessed without authorization during the 2020 data breach, you may be eligible for a cash payment for your time, and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses to a maximum of $5,000.
See the questions the eligibility checker asks
The checker asks these questions. Use the Check Eligibility button to answer them and see a result.
- Did you have a Government of Canada online account, such as a CRA account, My Service Canada account, or another account accessed using GCKey?
- Was your personal or financial information in that account disclosed to a third party without your authorization between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020?
- Did the unauthorized access happen during the breach periods (June 26 to August 18, 2020, or October 8 to November 25, 2020 for Represent-a-Client accounts)?The settlement only pays claims for accounts affected during these periods.
- Does your name appear on the Claims Administrator's list of Eligible Claimants?You can check your eligibility on the settlement website.
Read more
This class action claims that the Government of Canada failed to properly protect personal and financial information held in online government accounts. The lawsuit alleges that weak safeguards allowed unauthorized third parties to access accounts, view confidential information, and in some cases apply for or divert CERB and other benefits. Accounts affected included Canada Revenue Agency accounts, My Service Canada accounts, and other accounts accessed with a GCKey.
The Government of Canada denies it did anything wrong. The parties reached a settlement, which the Federal Court certified and approved. The settlement provides payments for time and inconvenience, and reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket expenses, to eligible class members whose accounts were affected during the defined breach periods in 2020.
Claim types
This case covers more than one type of claim. Each has its own payment, proof requirements, and eligibility. Review the type that applies to you.
Access Claim
For class members whose personal information was accessed by unauthorized third parties but not used fraudulently. It compensates loss of time and inconvenience at $20 per hour, to a maximum of 4 hours.
Payment: $80 maximum
Proof: No proof needed
Who qualifies
- Your Government of Canada online account was accessed by unauthorized third parties during the breach period (June 26 to August 18, 2020, or October 8 to November 25, 2020 for Represent-a-Client accounts)
- Your name appears on the Claims Administrator's list of Eligible Claimants
Fraud Claim
For class members whose account was taken over and whose information was modified to enable fraudulent CERB, CESB, or EI applications, or to divert benefit payments. It compensates loss of time and inconvenience at $20 per hour, to a maximum of 10 hours.
Payment: $200 maximum
Proof: No proof needed
Who qualifies
- Your account was taken over by unauthorized third parties during the breach period and your information was modified
- Fraudulent benefit applications were made in your name or your benefit payments were diverted
- Your name appears on the Claims Administrator's list of Eligible Claimants
Special Compensation Fund
For class members with an Access or Fraud Claim who also incurred out-of-pocket expenses related to the breach, such as unreimbursed fraud losses, identity theft fees, or credit freeze penalties. Supporting documents must be attached.
Payment: $5,000 maximum
Proof: Documents required
Who qualifies
- You have an Access Claim and/or a Fraud Claim
- You incurred out-of-pocket expenses within 12 months of the breach that were not otherwise reimbursed
- You can provide supporting documentation showing the expenses and that your information was used or modified in connection with a fraudulent act
How to Submit Your Claim
- Submit Onlinehttps://www.breachsettlementcanada.kpmg.ca
- Submit by Email[email protected]
- Submit by Fax514-840-2390
- Submit by MailKPMG, Canada Privacy Breach Class Action Administrator, 600, de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Suite 1500, Montréal, Quebec H3A 0A3
Claim Administrator
- AdministratorKPMG LLP
- Toll-free1-833-724-6160
- Email[email protected]
- MailKPMG, 600, de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Suite 1500, Tour KPMG, Montréal, Quebec H3A 0A3, Attention: Canada Privacy Breach Class Action Administrator
- Websitehttps://www.breachsettlementcanada.kpmg.ca
- Fax514-840-2390
Class Counsel
- Rice Parsons Leoni & Elliott LLP
- Mail980 Howe Street, Suite 820, Vancouver, BC V6Z 0C8
- Email[email protected]
Class members can get free help with their claim from the claims administrator listed above.
Settlement Notices
Opting out
The deadline to opt out was and has passed. Opting out is no longer available. Class members who did not opt out remain in the class and are bound by the outcome.
Remind me before this claim closes
Drop in your email and you'll get two reminders before the Government of Canada Online Account Privacy Breach Class Action deadline of : one 30 days out, one 7 days out. That's it. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to make a claim?
Claims must be submitted no later than February 3, 2027. Claims submitted after this deadline may not be eligible for compensation.
How do I file a claim?
You can file online at the settlement website, or complete the paper Claim Form and mail it with any supporting documents to KPMG. Online claims are processed faster.
How much can I receive?
Access claims pay $20 per hour to a maximum of 4 hours ($80). Fraud claims pay $20 per hour to a maximum of 10 hours ($200). You may also claim out-of-pocket expenses to a maximum of $5,000. Payment amounts may be reduced depending on the number of approved claims and the fees deducted.
Do I need to provide proof?
For Access and Fraud claims you certify the hours you spent, with no documents required. For the Special Compensation Fund you must attach supporting documents such as receipts, invoices, or bank statements showing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Can I still opt out of the settlement?
The deadline to opt out was February 20, 2026 and has passed. Opting out is no longer available. Class members who did not opt out remain in the class and are bound by the outcome.
How do I know if I qualify?
Your name must appear on the Claims Administrator's list of Eligible Claimants. Since January 15, 2026, you can confirm whether you are eligible for payments by visiting the settlement website.
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