
Misrepresentations regarding “recyclable” bags
Title of cause:
Class action against the false representations concerning “recyclable” bags made by the defendants:
Defendants :
- Dollarama
- Quebec liquor company
- Rona inc. and Lowe's
- Metro inc.
- McKesson Canada (Uniprix pharmacies)
- Toys “R” Us
- Costco
- Giant Tiger
Quebec Superior Court file number :
500-06-001200-225
The purpose of this class action:
The defendants sell bags which they advertise as “recyclable” but which, in fact, are not in Canada. The problem is that, although these bags are reusable, they are not "recyclable", contrary to the representations made by the defendants on the bags. This fact was confirmed in a report prepared for the Government of Quebec (Recyc-Québec) by the International Reference Center for the Life Cycle of Products, Processes and Services (“CIRAIG”) entitled “Analysis of the life cycle of plastic bags. 'emplettes au Québec” which concludes the following regarding “reusable” plastic bags: “Although described as being recyclable, they are discarded by sorting centers in Quebec”. This report can be accessed here.
The Plaintiff alleges that the Defendants engage in the illegal practice of greenwashing, as described by Canada's Competition Bureau, and that its misrepresentations and omissions constitute a prohibited business practice within the meaning of the Privacy Act. of the consumer, the Civil Code of Quebec and the Competition Act of Canada.
Proposed group:
All people in Canada who have purchased at Dollarama, the SAQ, Rona, Super C, Uniprix and/or Giant Tiger a bag bearing the mention "recyclable", in store or online.
Repairs requested:
This class action seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the false representations made by the defendants during the sale of these bags which it intentionally, misleadingly and misleadingly presents as being “recyclable”.
Request status :
Application for re-amended authorization: “recyclable” bags – October 4, 2022