Mack Trucks Manufacturing Co.v. Forget
Workplace Injury: Vicarious Liability & WC Bar
Summary
This is a judicial review and statutory interpretation case concerning whether a plaintiff injured in a motor vehicle accident while driving in the course of employment can recover damages from their employer under the Highway Traffic Act, or if such recovery is barred by the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Court of Appeal addressed the exclusive jurisdiction of the Workmen's Compensation Board to determine the applicability of the statutory bar and stayed the proceedings to allow the Board to make that determination. The case later reached the Supreme Court of Canada (Mack Trucks Manufacturing Co. v. Forget, [1974] SCR 788). The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the Court of Appeal's judgment. The Workmen's Compensation Board's right to sue the defendant stands, resulting in judgment for the plaintiff for the agreed damages.
Key Factors
- Workmen's Compensation Act
- Vicarious liability
- Exclusive jurisdiction
- Statutory bar
- Workplace injury
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This summary was written by AI from the published decision and its headnote. It is not an official version of the decision; read the full text on CanLII before relying on it. 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.