La Dissuasion : 10 Ans de Jurisprudence Canadienn e en Matière D’autorisation D’exerc er un Recours Collect If

• Author: François Comeault
• Pages: 331-353

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LA DISSUASION : 10 ANS DE

JUR ISPRUDENCE CANADIENNE

EN M ATIÈRE D’AUTORISATION

D’EXERCER UN R ECOURS

COLLECTIF

François Comeault

Abstract: Behaviour modif‌ication is frequently identif‌ied as

an objective of class actions. Many commentators consider be-

haviour modif‌ication to be a major function of cla ss actions,

if not the most important function. In Canada, with the ex-

ception of Quebec, the “preferability” of a class action is one

criterion of analysis at the stage of certif‌ication. As part of the

analysis at this stage, the deterrent effects of the class action

can be taken into consideration.

A review of the last ten years of Canadian jurisprudence

in the area of class action certif‌ication demonstrates that the

current application of behaviour modif‌ication as a criterion

for authorizing certif‌ication is useless and inconsistent. Such

a conclusion is not surprising in the sense that behaviour

modif‌ication remains a general justif‌ication for the existence

of class actions as a type of recourse while very rarely con-

stituting independent grounds for certif‌ication. Beh aviour

modif‌ication does appear to be a useful criterion at the class

action certif‌ication stage in certain contexts; however, its ap-

plication remains nonetheless underdeveloped.

CCAR Vol 6 No 2.indb 331 23/12/2010 1:03:45 PM

CCAR Vol 6 No 2.indb 332 23/12/2010 1:03:45 PM