Tentative Settlement Reached in Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children Case

The government has reached a tentative settlement with former residents of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children.

The agreement, with former residents who have filed a class action lawsuit against the province, will go before the Nova Scotia Supreme Court for preliminary approval on June 6.

"We're not done yet-there are still some legal steps in the process. But this is a significant step forward in the right direction," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "Former residents have been through a lot and for their sake, it's good that we're closer to a resolution."

Court documents to be filed later today, June 3, detail a lump sum settlement of $29 million to be disbursed by legal counsel representing former residents. Final court approval is tentatively set for July 7 in Supreme Court. The settlement agreement and all legal steps are expected to be finalized by the end of September.

After a settlement has been reached, government will begin developing terms of reference for a process that will give former residents an opportunity to publicly share their stories.