Apache Canada Ltd. Class Action

• April 8, 2021

  The parties have completed cross-examinations and are preparing for the certification application, which will be heard virtually on April 27 and 28, 2021. The Plaintiffs have filed their written submissions in support of the certification application, a copy of which can be found in the “Documents” section of this page. Copies of the Defendants’ written submissions and the Plaintiffs’ reply submissions in due course.

• December 8, 2020

  The certification application has now been scheduled to be heard on April 27 and 28, 2021.  At this point, it is not clear whether the hearing will take place in person or by video.  Various steps in advance of the hearing are being undertaken including cross-examinations, responding and reply evidence and written submissions.

• November 3, 2020

  Justice Poelman released his decision directing that the Plaintiffs’ certification application proceed first before any summary dismissal applications by the Defendants.  As a result a hearing of the Plaintiffs’ certification application will be scheduled soon, which hearing is expected to be held in the coming months.

• October 29, 2020

  Following a period of delay due to Covid-19, a case management hearing was held before Justice Poelman, the case management judge, on October 29, 2020.  Arguments were presented as to which applications should proceed first:  the Plaintiffs’ certification application or the Directors’/Paramount’s summary dismissal applications.  Justice Poelman reserved his decision, which we expect to receive soon.

• September 1, 2020

  This class action has been delayed as a result of restrictions imposed on the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench’s operations and other Ministerial Orders as a result of Covid-19.   Many of those restrictions have now been lifted and the Plaintiffs are seeking to push this litigation forward.  In that regard a case management hearing has been scheduled, at the Plaintiff’s request, at which the Plaintiffs expect a decision will be made as to the proper sequencing of our certification application and the Defendants’ proposed summary judgement applications.  That case management hearing has been scheduled for October 29, 2020.

• April 21, 2020

  As a result of Covid-19, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench has severely restricted its operations at least until June 1.  Please click on the links below for more information:

  https://www.albertacourts.ca/qb/court-operations-schedules/pandemic-operations
  https://open.alberta.ca/publications/ministerial-order-27-2020-justice-and-solicitor-general

  As a result, no applications in this matter can be scheduled or heard at this time.  In particular, the scheduling of the certification application and the scheduling of the application about whether to hear the Defendants’ proposed preliminary applications before, after or concurrent to the Plaintiffs’ certification application, have been delayed.   Further information on when and how this proceeding will continue will be provided when known.

• February 28, 2020

  A case management meeting with the Honourable Mr. Justice Poelman was held on February 28, 2020. A timetable for the certification application was not set. Instead, the court will next determine whether to hear the Defendants’ proposed preliminary applications before, after or concurrent to the Plaintiffs’ certification application. A hearing of that issue has not been scheduled and will only be held after April when the Defendants are to deliver application materials.

• December 9, 2019

  Class Counsel has been advised of recent terminations of employment by Paramount.

  We understand that some of those impacted have been asked to sign a release to give up certain rights against Paramount as part of the severance package offered.  That release of rights may impact class members’ right to claim for the deferred compensation owed to them from their time with Apache Canada Ltd., which is being sought as part of this proposed class action.

  If you or someone else you know has recently had their employment terminated by Paramount and have been asked to sign a release of certain rights against Paramount, we encourage you and they contact us to discuss.

Show All

• April 1, 2021 Certification – Brief and Authorities of the Plaintiffs
• March 20, 2020 Statement of Defence (Apache Corp)
• March 20, 2020 Statement of Defence (Paramount Resources Ltd)
• March 20, 2020 Statement of Defence (Individual Directors)
• November 3, 2020 Endorsement on Sequencing of Applications of the Honourable Mr. Justice G.H. Poelman
• November 21, 2019 Letter from Koskie Minsky to Putative Class Members - Apache Canada Ltd. Class Action
• September 11, 2019 Amended Statement of Claim

What is a class action?

A class action is a lawsuit which provides a method for a large group of people with common claims to join together to advance one large claim. Class actions are a more efficient and cost-effective way for groups of people with common claims to gain access to the legal system and seek justice.

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. Some of the factors the courts consider are the extent to which the claims of the class
members are common, and whether a class action is preferable to other methods (such as individual actions) of advancing the issues. The decision as to whether a class action should be certified takes place at a certification hearing and is decided by a judge. If certified, a representative plaintiff will advance the action on behalf of all of the class members.

How do I know if I am a Class Member?

The certification order will always contain a description of who is a class member. We post the certification orders in our actions so that you can review them. You do not need to “sign up” to become involved in a class action. If you are included in the class description, you are automatically a class member who will be 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 notice to be given to the members of the class.

Do I need to provide documents to be a class member?

No. Once a case is certified, you are automatically a class member if you are included in the class description. However, we recommend that you keep any relevant records such as grant award agreements, offers of employment, correspondence, etc. as you may need these documents to pursue any individual claims and/or support your claim for compensation in the event of a payout from a settlement or judgment arising from this class action.

Can I opt out of a class action?

Yes. When a class action is certified, class members are always given an opportunity to opt out of the action. A deadline is imposed for opting out. If you do not opt out by the given deadline, class members will be bound by the outcome of the class action, whether it is successful or unsuccessful. If you opt out, you will not be able to participate in any judgment or resolution to the case, including any judgment against or resolution with Apache Corporation or members of its board of directors.

How can I opt out?

Further details on the deadline for opting out and how to opt out will be provided. Such information is typically included in the notice given to members of the class when the claim is certified.

Will this class action have an impact on my employment with Paramount?

The proposed class action should have no impact on your employment. The class action seeks recovery for the restricted share units and other deferred compensation owed to class members at the time that Paramount purchased Apache Canada Ltd. The class action has nothing to do with class members’ current active employment with Paramount.

Will Paramount be notified of my participation in the class action?

The named plaintiffs in the proposed class action are former employees of Paramount. Individual class members are not named nor will they be named as a party in this case.

We will not disclose the names of anyone who has contacted us.

There is no requirement to tell Paramount or anyone else whether you support the class action or whether you intend to opt out or not.

The Plaintiffs are also asking the court to keep the identity of any class member who is actively employed by Paramount Resources Ltd. and who opts out of the class proceeding confidential and for such information to be disclosed only after the common issues trial. In our view, this will help protect the identities of class members who wish to participate in the class proceeding.

I have been recently terminated from my employment with Paramount and asked to sign a release. Will this affect my ability to participate in the class action?

Your ability to participate in the class action may be affected if you sign a release. Please contact us if you have questions about the terms of the release and its impact on your ability to participate in the class action.

Please note that as Class Counsel, we cannot advise you on other employment-related issues that fall outside the class action, including issues such as termination notice, payment in lieu of notice, just cause, etc. We recommend that you consult an employment lawyer in relation to those issues.

Will there be any cost to class members for legal fees?

The lawyers are working on a contingent basis – meaning they will only be paid if there is recovery to the class. If there is recovery to the class, the lawyers will ask for payment of their fees out of that recovery or otherwise. The lawyers’ fees may be paid by the defendants or out of the settlement or judgment proceeds as approved by the court. No fees can be paid to the lawyers without approval by the court.

In addition, the lawyers must seek preliminary approval of their contingency fee agreement with the named plaintiffs from the court.

I still have questions…

Please feel to contact us by using the contact information on this site.

Toll Free: 1-833-630-1775

Email: apacheclassaction@kmlaw.ca.