In Roberts v. Canada (Attorney General), Avize lawyers Patrick, Keith, and Danielle appeared before the BC Supreme Court to certify a class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada. The action was brought on behalf of current and former federal inmates across the country who endured cruel and unacceptable treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, treatment that violated international standards and Charter rights and caused significant psychological, physical, and emotional harm.
Despite Canada’s arguments that their treatment of inmates was justified and reasonable in light of the pandemic, Justice Tammen agreed with submissions made by Patrick, Keith, and Danielle and certified the claim against the Government in negligence and for breach of the inmates’ Section 7 and 12 Charter rights in May 2025.
As with all class actions initiated by Avize, this case was brought to obtain not only compensation for all those who suffered harm as a result of the Government’s misconduct, but also to ensure that such mistreatment will never occur again in the future. In his decision Justice Tammen commented that the pleadings crafted by Patrick were “model pleadings” and “exemplary.”
Read the full decision here: Roberts v. Canada (Attorney General), 2025 BCSC 995