National Database of Class Proceedings

Practice Direction

The Canadian Judicial Council has endorsed the recommendation of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada for the creation of a Canadian Class Proceedings Database to facilitate the exchange of information about multi-jurisdictional class proceedings. The Canadian Bar Association has announced a pilot project to establish such a Database and this Practice Direction, effective throughout the province of Ontario, is being issued to support the initiative.

It is anticipated that similar procedures will be implemented across the country and that lawyers and members of the public will be able to search the Database to obtain information about class action proceedings that have been commenced in any jurisdiction in Canada.

Within 10 days of service or filing, whichever is earlier, a copy of any:

1. originating process; or
2. Notice of Motion for certification (not including affidavits in support); or
3. amendments to the foregoing,

must be sent electronically by plaintiff’s counsel to the National Class Action Database of the Canadian Bar Association at the following address:

National Class Action Database
Canadian Bar Association
E-mail: classaction
Attention: Kerri Froc

A registration form must be used when submitting documents to the National Class Action Database. Please be advised that PDF is the preferred format for documents; however, MS Word documents will also be accepted.

Osgoode Hall,
June 1, 2007.

The Honourable Heather J. Smith
Chief Justice
Superior Court of Justice of Ontario