INTRODUCTION
The role of a plaintiff in a representative class action differs from that of a plaintiff in an individual action. The responsibilities assumed by a representative plaintiff are significant and can give rise to pressure, financial risk and public scrutiny. There has been much judicial debate over the question of whether a representative plaintiff should receive some monetary amount in recognition of taking on the role. This article summarizes the Canadian courts' treatment of the issue and considers some recent and notable trends coming out of the Ontario courts.