Is There a Canadian Class Action Database?

Canada has implemented a class action database to help lawyers, courts, and the general public access information about class action lawsuits that have been filed in the country. Although the Canadian class action database has some limitations, it remains a useful tool for anyone who seeks information about who may qualify as a Class Member in Canadian class action lawsuits and the status of pending cases.

What is the National Class Action Database?

The Canadian Bar Association launched the class action database in 2007 to address challenges faced by lawyers, courts, and the public regarding the management of multi-jurisdictional class action lawsuits. The database is a source of documents and other information regarding new class action lawsuits in Canada. There is no cost to use the Canadian class action database.

The Canadian Class Action Database was created as a two-year pilot program by the CBA Civil Litigation Section as an effort to address challenges posed by multi-jurisdictional class action lawsuits.

The class action database includes a list of all class action lawsuits that were filed in Canada after Jan. 1, 2007, as long as Class counsel sends information about the case to the CBA. Once a class action lawsuit is posted on the database, it will remain on the list unless it is dismissed by the court.

Members of the public can use the Canadian class action database to find out whether they may be included in more than one class action lawsuit. They can browse the list of cases to find useful information and download court documents.

Class action lawsuits are listed on the class action database in the order in which they were filed, with the most recent cases listed first. The Canadian class action database provides a brief description of each case, including the date it was filed, jurisdiction, style of cause, Class description, the subject matter of the case, and the case status.

Users can also use the Canadian class action database to determine if there are ongoing class action lawsuits that involve overlapping subject matter or Class Members. The database includes a search feature that makes it easy to find cases.

Limitations of the Database

The Canadian class action database is a valuable tool that can be used to find out about class action lawsuits that have been filed throughout the country. However, because participation in the database is voluntary, the information contained in the class action database is not comprehensive. Many courts require lawyers to register class action lawsuits and their related documents on the Canadian class action database.

In some cases, the CBA will remove class action lawsuits listed on the database. Reasons for removal from the Canadian class action database may involve privacy concerns, settlements or dismissal of a case. The CBA says it has taken steps to prevent personal information from appearing in Google searches in order to protect users’ privacy.

The CBA has also noted that it cannot guarantee the accuracy of all of the information posted on the class action database.

How to Join a Canadian Class Action

If you qualify as a Class Member in a Canadian class action lawsuit, you will likely remain a Class Member unless you opt out. Typically, there is no action that you need to take to join, although you may need to take steps to file a claim for compensation. In some cases, you may be required to opt in to qualify for any benefits. You can use the Canadian class action database to search for cases and find out if you might qualify as a Class Member.

Every Canadian class action lawsuit begins with a plaintiff who agrees to serve as a Class representative. If you believe you have a legal issue that could be handled as a class action lawsuit, submit your information on Top Class Actions for a free case review. If you have a potential case, a lawyer will contact you for a free case evaluation and help you determine if a class action lawsuit makes sense for your situation.

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