Class Actions

MLT is nationally recognized in the field of class actions litigation.

Our litigators have extensive experience with multi-party, representative and mass tort actions, both under the provisions of class proceedings legislation and the Rules of Court which regulated representative actions prior to the introduction of class proceedings legislation.

We have been at the forefront of defending class proceedings in Saskatchewan, successfully representing defendants in a wide variety of claims including products liability and other mass tort actions, securities and other investors' claims, pensions, pharmaceutical and medical device claims, biotechnology, and commercial claims. We have achieved successful results for our clients in numerous cases including many decisions considered to be seminal class action jurisprudence.

Our lawyers are leading educators on the subject of class actions, regularly writing on the subject and presenting at conferences in throughout Canada.

While the focus of our practice is in Saskatchewan and Alberta, our lawyers also regularly participate as members of national and international litigation teams responding to national and cross-border class actions.

Key Contacts

Our Team

  • Khurrum Awan
  • Douglas Hodson, Q.C.
  • Maurice Laprairie, Q.C.
  • Robert Leurer, Q.C.
  • Jason Mohrbutter
  • Vanessa Monar Enweani
  • Shaunt Parthev, Q.C.
    • Representative Work
      • Frey et al. v. BCE Inc. et al., 2009 SKQB 165, 2007 SKQB 328, leave to appeal granted (S.C.A., March 2010). Representing one of the defendants in one of the largest class actions in Canadian history, a dispute over certain fees charged by wireless service providers.

      • Bennett v. Crown Investments Corporation et al., C.A. No. 1846 (SK), Q.B. No. 569 of 2007 (Saskatoon). A motion to appoint a representative of a class in an action to extend the group of beneficiaries of the surplus in a government pension fund.

      • David McKinnon v. Red Lily Energy Partnership et al., Q.B.G. No. 1251 of 2010 (Saskatoon). Successfully opposing an application made in an uncertified class action seeking an injunction to restrain the construction of an electricity-generating wind farm.
      • Chapman v. Canada, 2007 SKQB 151. Representing manufacturers in a novel motion to secure a complete dismissal of a third party claim in a class action.

      • Horner v. Saskatchewan, 2009 SKQB 270. Successfully opposing certification of a class action seeking retroactive and prospective benefits under Saskatchewan's Workers’ Compensation Act.

      • Wuttunee v. Merck Frosst Canada Ltd., 2009 SKCA 43. Quashing certification of an action dealing with the prescription drug Vioxx; leave to appeal to Supreme Court of Canada denied 22 October 2009.

      • Brooks et al. v. Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, 2007 SKQB 247. Representing the defendant in an action denying certification of a proposed class action seeking damages arising from a train derailment.

      • Hoffman et al. v. Monsanto Canada Inc. and Bayer CropScience Inc., 2007 SKCA 47. Successfully opposing certification of a class action arising from the introduction of genetically modified canola.
      • Collins v. BCE Inc. et al., 2010 SKQB 74. Obtaining a stay of a proposed class action as an abuse of process of the court.
      • Cole v. Prairie Centre Credit Union Ltd., (2007) 305 Sask. R. 82, 2007 SKQB 184, 2007 SKQB 171. Denying certification of a proposed class action involving the loss of confidential information from discarded computers.
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