MTLPages Your Montreal. All in One Place.
Advertise With Us FR + Add Your Business

Class Actions in Quebec and Canada

A class action lets one person bring a case on behalf of a group of people in a similar situation. In Quebec these proceedings are heard by the Superior Court and recorded in a public registry. This page explains the general concepts and points to the official information.

What this means

In Quebec, class actions are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure. The court must first authorise the action; the group is then defined by that judgment. People covered by the group are generally included automatically unless they opt out within the deadline set by the court. The Quebec Class Action Registry publishes case files, notices to members and approved settlements. Class actions may also be brought in the Federal Court or in other provinces, each with its own rules.

Common situations

  • You received a notice saying you may be a member of a group
  • You want to know whether a class action already exists on a subject
  • A settlement has been approved and a claim must be filed
  • You want to know how to opt out of a group
  • You are considering proposing a class action
  • The product or service involved was purchased outside Quebec

General process

Procedures vary depending on the court, tribunal or circumstances. Consult the official government resources below or speak with a qualified legal professional.

Official government information

Documents commonly requested

Depending on your situation, the documents requested may vary.

  • The notice to members you received, with the dates it sets out
  • Proof of purchase, contracts, invoices or statements
  • Correspondence with the company involved
  • Medical or technical records, if applicable
  • The court file number, if known

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out whether a class action exists on a subject?

The Quebec Class Action Registry is the official public registry: it lets you consult case files, notices to members and settlements. For claims of federal scope, consult the Federal Court of Canada.

Do I need to sign up to be part of a group?

In Quebec, people covered by the group description are generally included automatically unless they opt out within the deadline set by the court. The exact terms appear in the notice to members and in the judgment, both published in the registry.

Does it cost anything to be part of a group?

Fee arrangements are approved by the court and described in the case documents. Consult the notice to members and, if needed, a lawyer about your situation. Quebec’s class action assistance fund may play a role in some files.

A settlement was approved — how do I claim?

Each settlement has its own claims process, forms and deadlines, published in the official case documents. Deadlines are strict: confirm them in the official notice rather than in a secondary source.

Can MTLPages tell me whether I am entitled to compensation?

No. MTLPages is a directory and gives no legal advice. Eligibility depends on the group definition set by the court in each file. Consult the official registry or a lawyer.

You may wish to speak with a qualified legal professional if your situation involves deadlines, significant amounts, or disputed facts. Individualised advice is often necessary.

Browse lawyers in Montreal → Browse mediators and arbitrators → Explore legal guides →

Related practice areas

Commercial Litigation LawyersAppeal LawyersClass Action Lawyers

Legal professionals in the directory

By type of claim

Each page explains the type of claim and points you to the official registries.

Financial Services & Bank FeesAuto Defects & Vehicle PartsData Breaches & PrivacyTelecom & SubscriptionsTravel, Airlines & TicketingPrice-Fixing & CompetitionConsumer Products, Drugs & Devices View all →

Other legal situations

Landlord and Tenant Disputes in QuebecSeparation and Divorce in QuebecImmigration Applications in Canada and QuebecSettling an Estate in QuebecStarting a Business: Registration ObligationsTax Audits and Disputes with Tax Authorities
Disclaimer

This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures may change, and every situation is unique. If you need advice about your specific circumstances, consult a qualified lawyer or legal professional. MTLPages is not a law firm.