Koskie Minsky LLP and McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP have commenced a class action against Bell Canada and affiliates arising out of the alleged incorrect approach used by the Defendants to calculate the cost of living indexation pursuant to the Bell Canada Pension Plan. It is alleged that Bell Canada adopted the incorrect approach to indexation such that 34,000 retirees have been shortchanged with respect to the Cost of Living Adjustment for the 2017 year.
The statement of claim, issued on January 16, 2018, was commenced on behalf of all persons entitled to benefits under the Plan, and who were entitled to receive indexed pension payments as of January 1, 2017.
Since the release of the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in this matter granting judgment to the class, the parties and their lawyers have been working co-operatively to determine the necessary steps to implement the judgment and conclude the litigation. (Bell Canada has agreed not to seek leave to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.) The parties are now in agreement on a plan for the Plaintiff to seek Court approval to provide payment to class members of damages based on revised indexation to date and to enhance pensions for future indexation. Plaintiff’s counsel are in the process of preparing the necessary motion material to provide a Notice to the class: (i) of the implementation steps for payment; and (ii) of the ancillary motions by Plaintiff’s counsel seeking Court approval of their legal fees and other matters. Members will receive this Notice, which will contain the details of those motions, as soon as it is authorized by the Court.
