LE RECOUVREMENT ET L’INDEMNISATION DES MEMBRES DANS L’ACTION COLLECTIVE

Abstract

This article aims to analyze, the process that leads to the recovery and distribution of amounts awarded to class action members, in accordance with the relevant sections of the new Code of Civil Procedure that came into effect in 2016. The first part of the article presents the basic assumption that class actions are first and foremost a means of compensating members, but that this primary objective is only imperfectly attained. Then, in the second part, the assumption is compared to the recovery regime provided for in the Code, in light of the results of an empirical study of class action cases conducted by the Class Actions Lab at the Université de Montréal in the summer of 2015. That part also addresses questions pertaining to evidence, and involvement of the courts in recovery and the determination of amounts to be remitted to the Class Action Assistance Fund. In particular, the following issues are discussed: How do you define the injury that is common to members, assess it in light of disparity in injuries suffered and, lastly, manage to adequately compensate members of the class action? Should damages for members be ensured in a different way, under a new vision? What can be said in this respect about the positive effect felt by members who feel there is a dissuasive, behaviour-modifying effect? In the third part, the collective recovery procedure and its forms of direct and indirect liquidation are addressed, with emphasis on its advantages and terms and conditions. The article concludes with comments in favour of using class actions to achieve the objectives of dissuasion and member compensation.