Have you been employed by the Abbotsford Police Department, the Central Saanich Police Services, the Delta Police Department, the Nelson Police Department, the New Westminster Police Department, the Oak Bay Police Department, the Port Moody Police Department, the Saanich Police Department, the Surrey Police Service, the Vancouver Police Department, the Victoria Police Department, or the West Vancouver Police Department and:
If so, you might be affected by a class action concerning the discrimination against, harassment of, and bullying of current and former female municipal police Officers on the basis of their gender and/or sexual orientation.
Hira Rowan LLP has commenced this class proceeding.
Check back for updates and information about this class action.
About This Class Action
The Representative Plaintiffs allege that they, and fellow female Officers, were subject to gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination, harassment, and bullying by other Officers and management of municipal police forces in British Columbia. The Representative Plaintiffs allege that the Municipal Police Forces and the government authorities responsible for their management failed to fulfill statutory, common law, and contractual duties to provide the Representative Plaintiffs and Class Members with a work environment free of gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination, harassment and bullying.
As a result of the alleged discrimination, harassment and bullying, the Representative Plaintiffs and Class Members allege to have suffered serious physical and psychological damages, out-of-pocket expenses and loss of income.
What is a class action?
A class action is a lawsuit which provides a method for a group of people with common claims to join together to advance one claim. Class actions offer a more efficient and cost-effective approach for individuals who share common grievances to access the legal system and seek justice.
How do I know if I am a Class Member?
There is no need to actively enroll or register to participate in this class action. The certification order, if granted, will contain a description of who is a class member. If granted, we will post the certification order on this website. If you are included in the class description, you are automatically a class member whose interests are affected by the outcome of the class action unless you decide to “opt out”.
Are Class Members notified of the certification of the class proceeding?
Yes. After the claim has been certified, the court will authorize the distribution of notices to all class members.
What does certification mean?
In order for an action to proceed as a class action, the court must determine whether it is appropriate for the case to be treated as a class action. Various factors are taken into account, including the degree to which the claims of class members overlap and whether a class action is more preferable than other methods (e.g., individual actions) for addressing the issues. A judge makes the determination of whether to certify a class action during a certification hearing. If certified, the representative plaintiffs will act on behalf of all class members.
Can I opt out of a class action and pursue independent legal action?
Yes. When a class action is certified, class members are always given an option to opt out of the action. A deadline is set for opting out. Failure to opt out by the given deadline means that you will be legally bound by the results of the class action, regardless of its success or failure. Opting out means that you will not receive any benefits if the action is successful.
Will there be any cost to class members for legal fees?
No. The legal fees will be paid in part by the representative plaintiffs (those named in this class action) who have agreed to pay part of the legal fees based on hourly rates, and in part by contingency. The contingency fee portion will be paid to the class action lawyers only if the class action is successful at trial or settled. In that case, that part of the class counsel fees may be paid by the defendants or out of the settlement or judgment proceeds as approved by the court.
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Please note: This is a slow-moving action, and updates are not frequent. Check back periodically for the latest information.