Williams v. Enbridge Gas Inc.
Class Action Settlement Approval: Unionised Employees
Summary
This is a procedural ruling regarding the approval of a class action settlement and associated costs. The court applied the Parsons factors to determine if the settlement, which included a 75 percent recovery and cy près distribution, was fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class, noting risks related to limitation defences and the presence of unionised employees. The court also approved counsel's contingency fees using the percentage fee approach and refused an honorarium to the representative plaintiff due to a lack of exceptional circumstances.
Outcome
Settlement approved; counsel fees approved; honorarium refused
Award
Settlement approved with 75 percent recovery; counsel fees and disbursements approved; no honorarium awarded
Key Factors
- class action settlement approval
- Parsons factors
- unionised employees
- counsel fees
- representative plaintiff honorarium
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Ontario Severance is an educational tool. If you are facing a serious employment law matter, consult with a qualified employment lawyer in Ontario.