Canadian Class-Action Lawsuits are on the Rise

It's no secret that many Americans love to sue – even over the most trivial of matters. From the infamous McDonald's hot coffee-spilled-in-the-lap incident to an elderly woman suing Apple for $1 million after she walked into the door of one of their retail stores. Is the "I'm going to sue you for everything you got!" phenomenon making its way north of the border?

It would seem so. In recent years, the Canadian legal system has experienced a flood of copycat class actions on the heels of similar actions brought on by regulators and consumers in the U.S. Take a look at the examples below and let us know what you think of these cases.

SLIDESHOW: CLASS ACTION SUITS

Class Action Suits


1. Quebec students file class action lawsuits over strikes
In August of 2012 a class-action lawsuit was launched by a group of frustrated Quebec students who incurred losses as a result of the province's student strikes. The students are looking to sue 25 universities, junior colleges and the government of Quebec. At the moment, there is not a definitive amount being requested but after adding the loss of salaries, lost work experience, lost tuition fees and lost summer jobs the final tally could be astronomical.
Pauline Marois, leader of the Parti Québécois and recently-elected Premier of Quebec, vows to cancel the tuition hike and repeal Bill 78, which sparked the student protests.

2. Reebok tones down its advertising
Class action lawsuits were launched in both Ontario and Quebec after complaints that Reebok had allegedly misrepresented its toning shoes and apparel. Reebok advertised that its EasyTone™ and RunTone™ footwear could tone and strengthen key muscles (i.e., legs, butt, hamstrings and calves). These claims have yet to be backed by scientific evidence. After lengthy negotiations, the parties reached a joint settlement wherein Reebok has agreed to pay up to CAD $2.2 million to Canadians who purchased Reebok toning shoes and/or apparel between December 5, 2008 and July 10, 2012. However, in a similar case south of the border, The U.S. Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) case against Reebok was settled for USD $25 million.

3. Quebecois tells the tobacco industry to butt out
In June of 2012 the Quebec government announced a $60-billion lawsuit against big tobacco companies. The belle province has joined a growing long list of Canadian provinces that have also sued the tobacco giants. To date British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland have filed suits.

4. Inmates sue over t-shirt ban
Just because you're behind bars doesn't mean you can't file a $1.25 million class-action lawsuit. That is exactly what 150 inmates from Joyceville Institution, located 20 kilometres northeast of Kingston, did after t-shirts they brought into the prison were banned. The t-shirts in question show an upside down maple leaf and also depict two hands grasping jail bars. Public Safety Minister Vic Toews has condemned the "misuse" of Canada's national symbol. The inmates lawyers, on the other hand, disagree and say the government's ban violates the inmates' freedom of expression, among other abuses. To date the lawsuit's claims have not been proven in court.

5. Not happy with your assistant? Apple gets served.
Earlier this year, Merchant Law Group filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple Canada. So far there is only one plaintiff, Regina resident Caitlin Hendriks. She is suing the tech giant because she believes Siri isn't performing as advertised. The suit, which claims to act on behalf of all people who purchased an iPhone 4S in Canada, states that Apple took advantage of consumers and caused "substantial injury" to the plaintiff and other members of the proposed class, who have lost money. What's interesting about this case is that Siri's capabilities in Canada are limited when compared to the U.S. and improvements to the service have been introduced since the 2011 product launch in Canada.