Siskinds LLP and Spiteri & Ursulak LLP have filed a proposed national class action against Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. and Shoppers Drug Mart (London) Limited (“Shoppers”).
The proposed class action alleges that Shoppers misclassified its former Associates as independent contractors and terminated their employment without providing them with reasonable notice or pay in lieu thereof. It is brought on behalf of all former Shoppers Drug Mart Associates in Canada, excluding Québec, who entered into an Associate Agreement with Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. or Shoppers Drug Mart (London) Limited and whose relationship was terminated by Shoppers from 2006 to the date of certification of the class action (the “Class Members”).
The action seeks to recover, among other things, damages for breach of contract and wrongful dismissal on behalf of the Class Members.
Join the action today
If you wish to join or receive updates on this prospective class action, we encourage you to complete the information form below, or simply clicking “Join”.
Questions?
Please email us at [email protected], or call us toll-free at 1.877.672.2121.
Developments
The Statement of Claim was filed in The King’s Bench, Winnipeg Centre Court on December 1, 2023.
FAQs
What is a class action?
A class action is a lawsuit that is brought by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group of people whose claims share common legal and/or factual issues. Class actions provide a cost-effective way for groups of people with common interests to pursue a legal claim.
What does “certification” mean?
Certification is the motion where the court determines whether the action can properly be pursued as a class action. The court will consider factors such as whether the claims of the class members raise common legal and/or factual issues and whether a class action is the preferable method of pursuing the claims (as opposed to other methods, such as individual actions).
Do I have to pay anything to participate in the class action?
Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.
Who is affected by the Shoppers Drug Mart class action?
Former Shoppers Drug Mart Associates in Canada, excluding Quebec, who entered into an Associate Agreement(s) with Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. or Shoppers Drug Mart (London) Limited and whose relationship was terminated by either of those Defendants at any time from 2006 until the date this action is certified.
Can I join the class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the class action unless you “opt-out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
Can I opt-out of the class action?
Yes. Once the class action has been authorized or certified, you will have the opportunity to opt-out of the class action within a period of time to be determined by the Court. If you exclude yourself, you will not be entitled to any compensation awarded under a settlement agreement or court order. You may however pursue your own action on an individual basis.
Generally, class members will wish to exclude themselves from a class action if they intend to bring their own individual action. In the majority of cases, it will be more economical to participate in the class action because the legal costs will be shared among a very large number of people.
What should I do to protect my rights?
To protect your rights, you should:
- Keep any documents which show your connection to Shoppers Drug Mart; and
- Register to receive updates on this case by filling out the form below.
All personal information provided will remain private and confidential.