Judge Green Lights Class-Action Lawsuit for Alberta Business Owners Impacted by Pandemic Restrictions

Christopher Scott, owner of the Whistle Stop Café, speaks during a rally against measures taken by government and health authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19 at his cafe in Mirror, Alta., on May 8, 2021. The Whistle Stop was shut down by Alberta Health for not complying with COVID-19 rules. Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

A Calgary judge has certified a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of Alberta business owners seeking compensation for losses they suffered due to pandemic-related restrictions.

Justice Colin Feasby, sitting before the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, ruled on Oct. 30 that the lawsuit meets the requirements for class proceeding. The lawsuit asks the province to compensate any Alberta businesses affected by the public health restrictions issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) during the pandemic.