Looking for an easy way to get extra cash this year? It might be worth seeing if you’re eligible for any class-action settlements.
With today’s high cost of living, a few extra bucks can go a long way, and it’s always a bit easier when all you have to do is fill out a few online forms.
That is often the case when it comes to class-action settlements, and there are a few recent ones Canadians should know about that they might be able to cash in on — depending on eligibility.
$2.6 million Dollarama class-action settlement
ACHPF/Shutterstock
Law firm LPC Avocats filed a class action lawsuit against the Quebec-based retail chain, alleging that Dollarama failed to correctly display the total price of products subject to environmental handling fees (EHFs). These fees apply to items such as batteries, electronic products, lightbulbs, or toys with batteries.
Dollarama has agreed to pay a settlement of $2,643,718.75, which the court has approved.
The deadline for Canadians to cash in on this settlement is quickly approaching.
Learn more here.
$12.5 million WestJet class-action settlement
Pavel Kapysh/Shutterstock
In October 2024, the Supreme Court of British Columbia approved a $12.5 million settlement proposed by Evolink Law Group. The plaintiff claimed that WestJet charged them a fee for their first checked bag “contrary to a provision included in its tariff” during the class period. WestJet has not admitted liability.
Class members could file a claim starting on November 11, 2024. The claims period deadline ends on February 10, 2025.
Learn more here.
$150 million Canadian Armed Forces class-action settlement
Bumble Dee/Shutterstock
Law firm Stewart McKelvey announced that the Federal Court certified a class action and approved a settlement for current and former CAF members who experienced racial discrimination or racial harassment during military service.
The settlement affects anyone who has been or is currently enrolled as a CAF member starting from April 17, 1985, up to and including the settlement approval date of January 2025, who has been subjected to racial discrimination and/or harassment.
Individual payments for class members can range from $5,000 to $35,000, in proportion to the $150 million settlement. The law firm says the claim period isn’t open yet.
Learn more here.
$70 million TD Mutual Funds class-action settlement
JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
A multimillion-dollar class action settlement was reached last year regarding TD mutual funds, and Canadian investors could claim a part of it.
The settlement of $70.25 million was reached with TD Asset Management to resolve the claim, which is pending approval by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice during an approval hearing on December 9. Law firm Siskinds LLP brought the lawsuit on behalf of Canadians who held TD mutual funds through discount brokers.
According to TD, mutual funds are a type of investment where “the money collected from various investors is pooled together to invest in different assets, including bonds, stocks, and/or money market investments.” Mutual funds are managed by fund managers who allocate the fund’s assets to produce higher returns for investors.
Trailing commissions, or trailer fees, are compensation for mutual fund dealers who advise investors. Over the years, these commissions were also paid to discount brokers.
These discount brokers operate online, including on BMO InvestorLine, TD Direct Investing, RBC Direct Investing, CIBC Investor’s Edge, Scotia iTRADE, and National Bank Direct Brokerage. However, online-only operators aren’t allowed to provide investment advice.
You could file a claim if you’ve held units of a TD mutual trust through a discount broker on or after April 9, 2022.
Learn more here.
$2.2 million moulded doors settlement
If you’ve renovated your home in the past 10 years, you might be able to cash in on a new major settlement.
Siskinds LLP announced last year that a proposed settlement has been reached in class-action lawsuits alleging price fixing and related conduct regarding interior moulded doors purchased in Canada.
According to the law firm, the defendants, Masonite and JELD-WEN, which are two of the largest moulded door manufacturers in North America, have agreed to $1,151,920 and $1,060,000 settlements, respectively, equalling a total of $2.2 million.
Siskinds LLP says anyone in Canada who purchased interior moulded doors from March 1, 2014, to July 30, 2024, is eligible. This includes end-consumers, contractors, building supply stores, and distributors.
The proposed settlement still has to be approved by the Federal Court of Canada.
Learn more here.
With files from Irish Mae Silvestre and Isabelle Docto