The Class Action Bench-Bar Liaison Committee (“Committee”) is a organization constituted in 2018, with a view to developing practice initiatives to improve the conduct of class proceedings and to facilitate communication between the class action bench and bar. The membership of the Committee is composed of approximately six Ontario judges and up to 12 members of the bar. The bar membership attempts to achieve a balance of representation of both plaintiff and defence perspectives.
Please click here for the Committee’s terms of reference.
The Committee has developed the following initiatives, among others:
- Publication of model orders, to provide a template for motions frequently heard in class proceedings;
- Establishing a standard book of authorities, containing frequently-cited class proceeding decisions;
- Setting out best practices concerning costs outlines; case management; motion confirmation forms for use in class proceedings, and preparation of a hearing compendium.
- Developing and presenting a five-session CLE, featuring judges and practitioners from across Canada, to discuss how multijurisdictional issues in class proceedings can be more effectively resolved.
If you are a member of the bar who practices in class proceedings, and you have ideas on how to improve class action practice in Ontario, please consider applying for a 2022 position. Appointments of up to six members will be made in December 2021. The appointment is for a two-year term.
Any interested applicant should send an e-mail to the Committee’s Chair, Jean-Marc Leclerc, at jleclerc@sotos.ca by no later than December 6th at 5 p.m. eastern time. The e-mail should include information about the applicant that is relevant to the work of the Committee, and a brief explanation of the applicant’s interest in the Committee. The Committee encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities, and applicants may elect whether to disclose any relevant information in this regard.