Date: May 25, 2016
Geoff Shaw Quoted in Financial Post on Success in Pet Valu
Appeal
Publish: 01/19/2016
Geoff Shaw has been quoted in the National Post on the recent dismissal of a $100 million class action by
franchisees against Pet Valu.
Writes Julius Melnitzer: "In a January 24 ruling that limits the scope of franchisors' obligations to deal fairly with
franchisees, the appellate court reversed a previous ruling that had awarded damages to franchisees."
Says Geoff: “The decision puts a leash on the scope of the duty of good faith and disclosure by a franchisor on
matters beyond the performance and enforcement of the franchise agreement."
Geoff goes on to note that this success is also an important lesson for those in the business community facing
class actions: “It’s easy to put together a bunch of facts and allegations that result in certification but it’s a lot
harder to get across the finish line.... Cases that are certifiable are not necessarily winnable.”
Read the full story here.
Pet Valu was represented by Cassels Brock. You can learn more about the decision here.