Students launch class-action lawsuit against Ontario colleges over strike
A class-action lawsuit is being proposed against Ontario colleges.
On behalf of students, the lawsuit was presented on November 14, five weeks into the college strike that began on October 16.
With classes cancelled since then, some 500,000 students have been left with no indication as to when their courses would resume.
“The colleges are in the business of providing vocational training to students in exchange for a prepaid fee. Students have paid the fees but the colleges have not provided the promised vocational training,” reads the class action.
“As matters stand, students may lose an entire semester without being refunded their tuition and fees, or students may be required to repeat courses or take extended programs into the new year. In order to address these issues as well as other expenses incurred by students that should be refunded, a class action has been commenced on November 14, 2017 in Toronto.”
According to the class action, it seeks to recover damages on behalf of all the students who are enrolled at the 24 colleges across Ontario. It also seeks damages for breach of contract and breach of the Ontario Consumer Protection Act.
“In each of the contracts between the colleges and students, the colleges represented to each student that they would receive the benefit of a specified number of classes over a specified number of weeks in a specific area of vocational training,” states the lawsuit. “As such, students are entitled to a refund.”
It also states that students are entitled to a refund for their meal plan programs and expenses for campuses residences that they have paid for while there were no classes at the campus.
The class action was launched by Charney Lawyers PC, in Toronto, and students can register to be part of the suit.
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