On July 7, 2023, our firm filed an application for authorization to institute a class action against the three brewers Molson Coors, Labatt and Sleeman. This claim seeks damages for all consumers who purchased the alcoholic products manufactured by these brewers.
Our client’s story
Our client started drinking alcohol at the age of 18. At the time, she did not know the risks associated with alcohol use, nor the fact that alcohol could cause dependence.
In her forties, she started drinking more regularly, consuming 2 to 3 beers a day. She consumed mostly Molson Dry beer.
In her fifties, she consumed 5 to 6 beers a day, without knowing that she had developed an alcohol addiction.
In 2009, our client was diagnosed with a malignant breast tumour and had to undergo chemotherapy.
Unable to stop drinking alcohol despite an unsuccessful detox, our client consumed 6 to 10 beers a day before suffering a recurrence of breast cancer in 2021. She has not been drinking alcohol since.
Breaches
It has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), Health Canada, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) and even Éduc’alcool, a company subsidized by the SAQ, that alcohol represents significant health risks.
In particular, the Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health denounces the risks of drinking more than three (3) drinks per week on average. Indeed, it is unknown to many that alcohol is a Class 1 carcinogen, in the same way as tobacco and asbestos, for at least seven (7) types of cancer, namely:
- Oral cancer;
- Cancer of the pharynx;
- Esophageal cancer;
- Cancer of the larynx;
- Breast cancer;
- Liver cancer;
- Cancer of the colon and/or rectum;
As manufacturers, Molson Coors, Labatt and Sleeman have an obligation to disclose any material facts about their products, not to make false or misleading representations, and to provide the necessary representations to protect the user from the risks or hazards associated with their products. However, when marketing and distributing their products, the defendants are completely silent about the health risks of alcohol.
The proposed class action
As a result of the omissions and lack of transparency of the three brewers, the class action proposed by our firm argues that consumers do not have all the information and warnings necessary to make an informed choice when buying alcoholic products, not having been aware of the recognized risks of this substance for their health.
We estimate that this prohibited practice has affected several hundred thousand, if not millions, of consumers in Quebec. In addition, our class action also defends the interests of all persons diagnosed with one of the seven (7) cancers and cirrhosis directly related to recurrent alcohol consumption.
As such, we are seeking damages and punitive damages on behalf of our representative and all aggrieved members to punish the lax and reckless conduct of Molson Coors, Labatt and Sleeman.
The proposed class
All natural persons residing in Québec who have purchased an alcoholic beverage manufactured, marketed and distributed by Molson Coors, Labatt and Sleeman.
Subgroup A
All natural persons who have purchased, in Québec, an alcoholic beverage manufactured, marketed and distributed by Molson Coors, Labatt and Sleeman.
Subgroup B
All natural persons residing in Québec who are or have been victims of cirrhosis and/or cancer of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, larynx, breast, liver, colon and/or rectum after consuming alcoholic beverages manufactured, marketed and distributed by Molson Coors, Labatt and Sleeman.
As well as the beneficiaries and/or heirs of deceased persons who would otherwise have been part of the Group.
Applications filed to the Court
Application for authorization to bring a class action (French)
Current status of the file
Pending authorization by a judge of the Superior Court.
How to be part of the class action?
If you fall within the definition of the groups referred to above, you are automatically part of these class actions.
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