Proposed settlement reached in Birth Alerts BC class action

VANCOUVER, BC, June 8, 2026 — A $66 million proposed settlement has been reached in a class action about the use of Birth Alerts in British Columbia, Zeleniski v. His Majesty the King in right of British Columbia, BCSC Action No. VA-S-2017852.

Birth Alerts were communications sent by child welfare workers to hospitals about a pregnant person. These alerts ended in 2019.

In 2021, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of people who were the subject of Birth Alerts. The lawsuit says that Birth Alerts shared private information without the person’s knowledge, and that the practice disproportionately affected Indigenous families.

Following a successful mediation, with Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, PC, OBC, KC and Dr. Roshan Danesh, KC acting as mediators, the parties in the Birth Alerts BC Class Action have reached a proposed settlement. The proposed settlement is a compromise resolution that does not include any admissions by any party.

The proposed settlement must be approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia. A hearing will take place on December 4, 2026, where the Court will decide whether the settlement is fair and should be approved.

What’s included in the proposed settlement?

“This proposed settlement addresses a practice that operated for decades, often without people’s knowledge, during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives,” said Jen Winstanley, Partner, CFM Lawyers, Class Counsel for the class action. “If approved, the proposed settlement would create a process for people to seek information about whether a Birth Alert was issued about them, provide compensation and offer trauma-informed support throughout the claims process.

The proposed settlement addresses the Birth Alert itself; the communication sent to a hospital before a birth. It does not determine anything about actions taken after the birth.

If approved, the proposed settlement would provide a minimum of $2,000 in compensation to eligible class members. Indigenous class members will receive an additional amount. The proposed settlement also includes a collective fund to support families and communities affected by Birth Alerts.

“People should not have to publicly relive painful experiences to be heard or supported. One thing this proposed settlement does is create a process that avoids a lengthy trial,” said Adrianna Zeleniski, Representative Plaintiff. “I hope it also helps people understand they are not alone and that support is available to help them understand their options and submit a Claim.”

Who is eligible?

A person may be part of the class action if a Birth Alert was issued about them in British Columbia between May 31, 1980, and May 8, 2026, the date the action was certified.

People may still be included even if they were never told a Birth Alert was issued, or if they are unsure whether a Birth Alert occurred. A person is not included if, at the time of the Birth Alert, they were both under 19 years old and in the care or custody of the Province.

Some class members may receive direct information that they may have been subject to a Birth Alert. In other cases, class members may learn about the proposed settlement through communications channels. Claims Helpers are available to support anyone who is unsure whether they may be included in the class action.

Next steps

The proposed settlement is currently in the notice and opt out period. During this time, people who may be class members can consider their options. They may choose to:

stay in the proposed settlement and submit a Claim for compensation
opt out ofthe proposed settlement and remove themselves from the class action
object tothe proposed settlement, Distribution Plan, or Class Counsel’s request for legal fees and share their concerns with the Court
take no action

People who opt out will not receive compensation if the proposed settlement is approved.

Claims can be submitted now through the online Claims portal at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca or by completing a paper Claim Form. Claims will not be reviewed or paid unless the Court approves the settlement. Claims Helpers are available to provide support, answer questions, and help people complete a Claim.

“The proposed settlement is intended to provide an accessible and straightforward process for class members, added Winstanley. “People can submit claims now and Claims Helpers are available at no cost to help people understand their options, access information, and complete the Claims Process, although no compensation will be paid unless the settlement is approved.”

Supports available

Information and support are available at www.BirthAlertsBC.ca for those who have questions about the proposed settlement or the Claims Process. These supports include:

Claims Helpers can answer questions about the proposed settlement, your rights and how to submit a claim. Individuals can reach a Claims Helper by email at ClaimsHelper-BABC@BirthAlertsBC.ca or by calling the Info Line at 1-833-632-6557.

Class Counsel in this matter are CFM Lawyers LLP. They can answer questions about the case and the proposed settlement. Individuals can also contact Class Counsel, CFM Lawyers LLP, at 604-689-7555.

Learning about Birth Alerts or the settlement may bring up difficult feelings. Local supports are available by calling the BC Mental Health & Crisis Response (no area code needed) at 310-6789 or 2-1-1. Support is available for Indigenous people at Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or visit www.hopeforwellness.ca.

Media contact:
Morgan Atwater
Media-babc@birthalertsbc.ca