PICARD v. VILLE DE GATINEAU, Superior Court of Québec (550-06-000032-236)

Description

This class action concerns the illegal imprisonment and requests for imprisonment of unhoused people for non-payment of fines.

On September 5, 2024, the Superior Court authorized the institution of this class action against the City of Gatineau and the Minister of Justice (represented by the Attorney General of Quebec) on behalf of the members of the following class:

Any person who has been subject to the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment because of a sentence and a warrant of imprisonment sought since June 5, 2020, at the Municipal Court of Gatineau for non-payment of sum(s) due and who was unhoused at the time the application for imprisonment was made.

NOTE: We invite you to consult the Authorization Judgment and the notices available below for more information.

One of the objectives of this class action is to obtain financial compensation for people who have been illegally imprisoned or had their quasi-constitutional rights infringed by the City of Gatineau and the Minister of Justice. (Please note that there is currently no judgment or settlement awarding such compensation).

The types of violations for which financial compensation is sought are the following:

  • illegal imprisonment or requests for imprisonment
  • violation of the physical integrity of the people concerned
  • arbitrary searches and detentions
  • violation of the right to liberty and security

We are working on preparing the case for trial. We send regular updates to everyone on our mailing list.

If you believe you have suffered any of the abuses mentioned above and would like to be kept informed of developments, we invite you to join our mailing list. Simply send an e-mail to ac@alexeevco.com (you can also use the form below). If you are unable to receive updates by e-mail, we also send them by regular mail.

KEY DATES

MARCH 13, 2023

Filing of the Application for Authorization to Institute a Class Action and to Obtain the Status of Representative Plaintiff

MAY 23, 2024

Hearing before the Superior Court of the Application for Authorization to Institute a Class Action and to Obtain the Status of Representative Plaintiff

SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

Issuance of the Authorization Judgment

Contact us

If you (or someone you know) have suffered illegal imprisonment or requests for illegal imprisonment by the City of Gatineau while you were unhoused, we invite you to contact us:

ALEXEEV ATTORNEYS LLP

T. 514-400-2480

F. 514-648-7700