Class action authorization
MONTREAL, Feb. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - On February 20, 2018, the Honourable Thomas M. Davis of the Superior Court of Quebec rendered a judgment authorizing the class action against Bayer and Syngenta, following the hearing on November 13 and 14 at the Montreal Courthouse.
Context
In 2014, the law firm Siskinds Desmeules began a class action against Bayer and Syngenta (the "Defendants"), who are involved in the development, production, marketing and selling of neonicotinoid pesticides. Neonicotinoids are commonly used in agriculture in Quebec to eliminate certain pests and protect crops.
The facts in support of the class action are that the neonicotinoids developed, produced, marketed and sold by the defendants cause damages to honey bees, including reproductive and behavioral problems, the reduction of honey production and death, leading to financial losses for beekeepers.
Paula Lombardi, a partner at Siskinds LLP, remarked on the critical importance of the honeybee to the food chain:
"Without a vibrant and healthy bee population, so many of the foods we enjoy will simply no longer grow. We cannot afford to take the bees' important work for granted, nor can we ignore threats to their survival as a species."
Judgment rendered
Authorization is an essential step in class actions, it is the stage where the court determines in a preliminary manner whether or not the proposed action is serious and should proceed to trial.
Notwithstanding the defendants' arguments against the authorization, the Judge concludes that the plaintiff's claims are sufficiently serious and precise to justify the bringing of the class action against the defendants.
The hearing on the merits is the next step in the case where Siskinds Desmeules will be seeking damages from the Defendants, for the beekeepers for the period between January 1st, 2006 and February 20, 2018. It is at the hearing of the merits that the common questions to members of the group of the class action will be debated.
For further information, and for any media inquiries, please contact class counsel at: Samy Elnemr, Siskinds Desmeules, 418-694-2009.
SOURCE Siskinds LLP
Share this article