Berg v. Canadian Hockey League

2017 ONSC 5382 (CanLII)Decided Employment standards

Hockey League Class Action: Employment Standards & Costs

Summary

This is a costs ruling arising from a certification motion in a class action alleging breaches of employment standards statutes, including minimum wage and overtime claims, against the Canadian Hockey League and its teams. The court awarded partial indemnity costs to the plaintiffs and addressed the reasonableness of expert fees and the impact of parties' conduct on the costs award.

Outcome

Plaintiffs awarded partial indemnity costs of $1,212,065.63

Award

Plaintiffs awarded partial indemnity costs of $1,212,065.63, with $500,000 payable immediately and the balance contingent on trial outcome; Defendants' expert fees reduced from $150,000 to $50,000.

Key Factors

  • class action certification
  • employment standards
  • costs award
  • expert fees
  • proportionality

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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.