Tag Archives: Quebec Superior Court

Lac-Mégantic disaster class-action suit gets green light

Repost from CBC News Montreal

Lac-Mégantic disaster class-action suit gets green light

Plaintiffs told they cannot sue Irving Oil or now-bankrupt Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railway
The Canadian Press, May 09, 2015 11:36 AM ET

A class-action lawsuit has been approved almost two years after a train derailment and explosion killed 47 people in Lac-Mégantic, Que.

But the Quebec Superior Court justice’s ruling means it is far more limited in scope.

Justice Martin Bureau has given the plaintiffs permission to go after only two companies — World Fuel Services and Canadian Pacific Railway.

Initially, the legal action targeted 37 different parties, including Irving Oil, the now-bankrupt Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railway and its former president, Edward Burkhardt.

In January, victims of the rail disaster reached a major financial settlement with Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada.

The lawsuit alleges CPR was negligent and there was a lack of prudence in all circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

The lawsuit was filed by three Lac Mégantic residents — Guy Ouellet, Serge Jacques and Louis-Serge Parent — on behalf of all the victims.

The exact amount being sought will be determined at a later date.