Using Class Actions to Address Social Issues

Judy Van Rhijn of The Law Times interviewed Omar Ha-Redeye on the use of class action proceedings to tackle social wrongs,

…But Omar Ha-Redeye of Toronto is one lawyer who believes that class actions dealing with social issues are an option. “In a broader sense, there are social issues whenever there is injury or damage,” he says. “For example, in the Caledonia class action, the grievances were social in the sense that people claimed harm in the enjoyment of their property.”

Ha-Redeye also refers to the challenge to obtain pension entitlements for same-sex couples. “People use the actions to push back against larger companies and even government initiatives. It’s a viable vehicle to use.”