Back in December 2022, a Proposed Class Action was filed in Winnipeg against several Municipal and Provincial Defendants. This was to challenge the so-called “vaccine passport” system that was in place at the time.
These included:
- The Government of Manitoba
- Brent Roussin (Chief Medical Officer of Health)
- The City of Winnipeg
- City of Winnipeg Police Services
The Representative Plaintiff, Courtney Peters, was a civilian working as a Communications Operator with the Winnipeg Police. He had been there for 8 years at that point.
In an unsurprising move, both Manitoba and Winnipeg brought Motions to Strike the Claim. Aside from the significant pleading deficiencies, they stated that the Court had no jurisdiction, due to the collective bargaining system that was in place.
Rather than attempt to fight on for his clients, counsel discontinued the case.
Yet Another Case Discontinued By Leighton Grey
Just 6 months after it was filed, this Manitoba (Proposed) Class Action was dropped. It didn’t even get as far as having the Motion to Strike heard.
(a) Canada Post: struck in March 2024
(b) Canadian National Railway: discontinued in June 2023
(c) Purolator, discontinued in April 2023
(d) Westjet, discontinued in April 2023
Of course, there’s also this Proposed Class Action in Federal Court, with Chief Gregory Burke. Nearly 18 months after the suit was initiated, there’s been no progress beyond amending the Statement of Claim. No Motions. No Defences filed. No Certification started.
This has become a significant problem in recent years. Members of the public cheer as it *appears* someone is fighting for their rights, and they often donate. But then, those cases quietly disappear, and are never heard about again.
Timeline Of Major Events In Case
December 8th, 2022: Statement of Claim is filed in the King’s Bench Court of Manitoba
January 5th, 2023: Municipal Defendants prepare Notice of Motion to strike lawsuit.
January 6th, 2023: Manitoba Defendants prepare Notice of Motion to strike lawsuit.
February 14th, 2023: Hearing for Motion to Strike is adjourned.
February 27th, 2023: Hearing for Motion to Strike is adjourned.
April 27th, 2023: Hearing for Motion to Strike is adjourned.
May 25th, 2023: Notice of Discontinuance is filed.
As an aside, the Notice of Discontinuance is dated April 3rd, 2023, but wasn’t filed until the end of May. Perhaps dropping the case had long been the intention.
There are so many examples of this happening.
(1) Winnipeg Class Action Statement Of Claim
(2) Winnipeg Class Action Notice Of Motion Municipal Defendants
(3) Winnipeg Class Action Notice Of Motion Provincial Defendants
(4) Winnipeg Class Action Affidavit Of Service
(5) Winnipeg Class Action Notice Of Discontinuance
(6) https://web43.gov.mb.ca/Registry/NameSearch