On May 15, 2020, Siskinds, Desmeules, the Quebec firm affiliated with Siskinds LLP, commenced a proposed class action against against two of the largest Interior Molded Door manufacturers in North America - JELD-WEN Inc., Masonite International Corporation, and their subsidiaries (the “Defendants”).
On September 9, 2020, Siskinds LLP filed a similar proposed class action lawsuit in Federal Court
The proposed actions allege that the Defendants unlawfully conspired to fix, increase, and/or maintain the price of Interior Molded Doors sold in Canada and throughout North America between March 1, 2014 and the present. The claims also allege that the Defendants agreed to reduce the supply of Interior Molded Doors, control the supply of input materials, and/or refuse to provide input materials to third-party manufacturers.
The proposed federal action seeks to represent all persons in Canada who purchased Interior Molded Doors between March 1, 2014 and the present. The Quebec action seeks to represent all persons in Quebec who purchased Interior Molded Doors during the same time period.
An Interior Molded Door is a type of composite wood door that is used primarily in residential construction, including the construction and/or remolding of homes and/or apartment units, for closets, rooms, and/or hallways. They are the most popular type of interior door in North America.
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Developments
Federal Court Action
The proposed class action is in the early stages of litigation.
The next step in the litigation will be the certification hearing. At the certification motion, the court will determine whether the litigation is properly prosecuted as a class action. The certification motion is scheduled to be heard October 12-13, 2023.
Quebec Action
On February 15, 2023, the Quebec action was stayed by the Superior Court of Quebec to give precedence to the Federal court class action. You can view a copy of the order by clicking here (French only).
FAQs
What is a class action?
A class action is a lawsuit that is brought by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group of people whose claims share common legal and/or factual issues. Class actions provide a cost-effective way for groups of people with common interests to pursue a legal claim.
What does “certification” mean?
Certification is the motion where the court determines whether the action can properly be pursued as a class action. The court will consider factors such as whether the claims of the class members raise common legal and/or factual issues and whether a class action is the preferable method of pursuing the claims (as opposed to other methods, such as individual actions).
Do I have to pay anything to participate in the class action?
Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.
Who is affected by the Interior Molded Doors class action?
You are affected by the class action and are a “member” of the class if you are a person in Canada who purchased Interior Molded Doors between October 24, 2012 and the present.
Can I join the class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the class action unless you “opt-out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
Can I opt-out of the class action?
There is no opt-out period at this time. Once the class action has been authorized or certified, you will have the opportunity to opt-out of the class action within a period of time to be determined by the Court. If you exclude yourself, you will not be entitled to any compensation awarded under a settlement agreement or court order. You may however pursue your own action on an individual basis.
Generally, class members will wish to exclude themselves from a class action if they intend to bring their own individual action. In the majority of cases, it will be more economical to participate in the class action because the legal costs will be shared among a very large number of people.
What should I do to protect my rights?
To protect your rights, you should:
- Keep records of any purchases of Interior Molded Doors purchased between October 24, 2012 and the present.
- Register to receive updates on this case by filling out the form below.
All personal information provided will remain private and confidential.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
If you have any other questions, please complete the Get in Touch form below.
For a communication in French, you may contact our Quebec office, Siskinds, Desmeules, by phone at 418.694.2009 or at the toll-free number 1.877.735.3845 or write us an email at [email protected].
Documents
Application for authorization to institute a class action - May 19, 2020 (French only)
Stay order of the Quebec action - Superior Court – February 15, 2023 (French Only)