Jonathan Bradford

The plaintiff sought to certify a class action on behalf of independent distributors who contracted with the defendants to deliver fresh bread products.

The plaintiff alleged the defendants breached their contracts and the Arthur Wishart Act by participating in and concealing an illegal price-fixing conspiracy.

The court found that the pleadings disclosed viable causes of action, there was an identifiable class, the claims raised common issues, a class action was the preferable procedure, and the representative plaintiff was suitable.

The motion for certification was granted.

The plaintiff, a rideshare driver, commenced a proposed class action alleging that Lyft drivers are employees and entitled to protections under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

The defendants moved to stay the action in favour of arbitration pursuant to the Arbitration Act, 1991, relying on the arbitration agreement in their Terms of Service.

The plaintiff argued the arbitration agreement was inaccessible, uncertain, unconscionable, contrary to public policy, and an unlawful contracting out of employment standards.

The court rejected the plaintiff's arguments, finding the arbitration agreement accessible, valid, and enforceable.

The court granted the motion and stayed the proposed class action in favour of arbitration.

The plaintiffs in two related class actions sought approval of their retainer agreements and Class Counsel's legal fees following a settlement.

The court found the retainer agreements complied with the Class Proceedings Act and were understood by the representative plaintiffs.

The court also approved the negotiated collective fee of $1,989,507.91 for Class Counsel across Canada, finding the 1.1 multiplier reasonable given the results achieved, the risks involved, and the extensive work performed.