M. Seers

Costs decision arising from a Rule 21 motion in a proposed class proceeding.

The plaintiffs sought partial indemnity costs after largely resisting the defendants’ motion to strike, while the defendants sought costs because the plaintiffs abandoned several claims during the motion, including conspiracy and negligence claims involving the Attorney General of Canada.

The court found that the plaintiffs substantially succeeded on remaining claims but materially altered their pleadings and abandoned significant allegations during the hearing.

Given the divided success and the altered nature of the action, the court concluded that neither side should receive costs.

The defendants brought a motion to strike the plaintiffs' proposed class action claims relating to the importation of vehicles from the United States into Canada.

The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants conspired to force importers to pay for unnecessary modifications and certifications by manipulating Transport Canada's admissibility list.

The court dismissed the motion to strike the Competition Act, Consumer Protection Act, and unjust enrichment claims.

The court struck the claim for unlawful purpose conspiracy without leave to amend, but allowed the unlawful conduct conspiracy claim to proceed.

The plaintiffs were granted leave to amend their claim for intentional interference with economic interests.