Class action waiver upheld in competition case
In a recent decision, the Federal Court of Canada enforced a class action waiver and an arbitration clause in a private action under section 36 of the Competition Act.[1] The decision is significant because it clearly states two important principles: Class action waivers will be enforced unless they are contrary to statute Claims alleging breaches of the Competition Act are arbitrable In 2009, disgruntled Amway "independent business owner" ("IBO"), or dealer, Kerry Murphy and his wife Cheryl Rhodes commenced a proposed class action against Amway in the Federal Court. They alleged that Amway's business model contravened the rules for multi-level ... [more] Full article
International arbitrations get deference on merits but not jurisdiction
The Ontario Court of Appeal shed new light on the standard of review for international arbitrations in United Mexican States v. Cargill, Inc. Courts must review an arbitral tribunal’s assumption of jurisdiction on a correctness standard. But the merits of the tribunal’s decision attract the utmost deference. The Court found that the NAFTA Chapter 11 Arbitral Tribunal under review correctly assumed its jurisdiction, upholding the Tribunal’s $77.3 million award against Mexico. [more] Full article
The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes – Its Time Has Come
Canada’s ratification of the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of other States (the “Convention”) has been a long time coming. Since signing the Convention in ... [more] Full article
No class action where arbitrator has jurisdiction, court holds
Class action legislation does not give courts jurisdiction over cases that would otherwise be dealt with by tribunals or arbitrators, the Supreme Court held in Concordia v. Bisaillon. [more] Full article