Sweet v. His Majesty the King
Government of Canada · Canada Revenue Agency My Account, My Service Canada Account, GCKey-linked accounts, and Represent a Client accounts
The class action alleges that attackers used credential-stuffing attacks in 2020 to access Government of Canada online accounts, expose personal and financial information, alter direct-deposit details, and submit pandemic-benefit claims in some victims’ names. The case was certified in 2022, a settlement was reached in December 2025, and the Federal Court approved the settlement in May 2026.
Case updates and reports
How to participate
Government of Canada Online Account Data Breach Settlement Claim
Individuals whose personal data was accessed from a Government of Canada online account between June 26 and August 18, 2020 may be covered by the settlement. Eligible losses may include time and inconvenience, fraudulent benefit applications or diverted payments, and certain identity-theft-related out-of-pocket costs.
- Type
- Settlement Claim
- Claim status
- Open
- Total settlement amount
- $8,700,000
- Amount per claim
- $5,000
- Payout
- Compensation may include $20 per hour for up to four hours for lost time and inconvenience, or up to 10 hours where fraudulent benefit applications or diverted payments occurred. Covered claimants may also claim up to $5,000 for qualifying identity-theft-related out-of-pocket costs.
- Reported proof requirement
- Unclear
Automatic Settlement Inclusion
Individuals whose personal or financial information was breached through a government account between March 1 and December 31, 2020 are included in the settlement according to the article.
- Type
- Settlement Claim
- Claim status
- No action required
- Payout
- Individuals whose information was used for financial fraud may receive up to $200. Those whose information was accessed but not used for fraud may receive up to $80. A separate fund may provide up to $5,000 per person for qualifying out-of-pocket expenses related to the breach.
- Reported proof requirement
- Unclear