Class Action - Overview A class action is a powerful legal tool which allows ordinary Canadians to join forces to fight injustice. Class actions differ from regular lawsuits, in that they usually involve many people, working together, to focus their collective strength against a single wrongdoer, usually a large, multi-national corporation. In many ways, class actions are like young King David's sling, which he used to bring down mighty Goliath.
Class actions are relatively new to Canada.
The Ontario Class Proceeding Act only came into force in 1993, but since that time, countless ordinary Canadians have seen its promise. Victims of faulty breast implants, corporate downsizing, and mass disasters, have all brought successful claims in Canada. Such claims have provided much needed compensation to victims. Just as importantly, such lawsuits have given a voice to Canadians who might never have been able to afford a lawyer otherwise. The purpose of the Class Proceedings Act is to help level the legal playing field between big corporations and average people.