On October 23, 2023, Siskinds Desmeules filed on behalf of the Plaintiffs Julie Fortier and Miguel Charlebois, an application for authorization to institute a class action against Glencore Corporation Canada and the Government of Quebec. The class action seeks damages for residents of the City of Rouyn-Noranda as a result of the release of toxic and/or carcinogenic contaminants (including arsenic, lead, cadmium and sulphur) into the atmosphere by the Horne smelter.
On September 30, 2025, the Court authorized the bringing of a class action against Glencore Corporation Canada and the Government of Quebec and granted the status of class representatives to the Plaintiffs Julie Fortier and Miguel Charlebois, for the class described below.
Liability allegations against Glencore and the Government of Québec
It is alleged that Glencore Corporation Canada, the company operating the Horne smelter, emitted quantities of toxic and/or carcinogenic contaminants into the atmosphere and the environment for decades, at levels exceeding the standards intended to protect human health, and has failed to notify the members of the proposed class, adequately and in a timely manner, of the nature, detail and extent of the exposure, and its effects on health, thereby infringing the fundamental rights and integrity of the members of the proposed class, and causing them damage.
It is also alleged that the Government of Quebec tolerated and knowingly authorized the emission of toxic and/or carcinogenic contaminants into the atmosphere and the environment for decades, at levels exceeding its own standards for the protection of human health, and has failed to notify the members of the proposed class, adequately and in a timely manner, of the nature, detail and extent of the exposure, and the risks related to this exposure, thereby infringing on the fundamental rights and integrity of the members of the proposed class and causing them damage.
Class Members
The Plaintiffs are authorized to seek compensation for the members of the following class:
Subgroup 1:
All natural persons who have lived within 10km radius of the Horne smelter, at any time since October 23, 2020, and who have suffered or are still suffering fear, anxiety, stress, anger, guilt, or any other similar harm as a result of the emission of toxic and/or carcinogenic contaminants from the Horne smelter.
Subgroup 2:
All natural persons who have lived within a 10km radius of the Horne smelter, at any time since October 23, 2020, and who have suffered or are still suffering a financial loss* and or trouble and inconveniences as a result of the emission of toxic and/or carcinogenic contaminants from the Horne smelter.
* “Financial loss” notably means the expenses related to the maintenance of the land, of the residence, or other goods, to the mitigation of the exposure or the protection of health or that of family against exposure to contaminants (e.g.: cleaning costs, air filters, vacuum filters, air purifiers, air exchangers, testing costs, sampling costs) or relocation costs and/or a loss in property value
Other remedies sought
In addition to financial compensation, the Plaintiffs are authorized to seek the award of punitive damages as well as an order enjoining Glencore Canada Corporation to reduce all emissions of contaminants from the Horne smelter to the maximum concentrations established by current regulatory standards adopted under the Environment Quality Act.
You think you are part of the Horne smelter class action?
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Still have questions?
You can reach us for more information or assistance regarding the proposed class action against Glencore by e-mail at [email protected] or call us toll-free at 1.877.735.3842. Our class action lawyers are here to answer your questions, provide guidance on your eligibility.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Developments
Permission of Plaintiffs appeal of the decision on authorization
On December 9, 2025, the Québec Court of Appeal rendered a decision clarifying that a permission was not needed for the Plaintiffs to appeal the decision on authorization.
Plaintiffs appeal of the decision on authorization
On November 6, 2025, Plaintiffs filed a Declaration of appeal and a Motion de bene esse for permission to appeal (in case the Court deemed necessary to obtain a permission to appeal).
Plaintiffs claim that the Quebec superior Court judge erred in deciding on a limitation period argument brought by the defendants and therefore limiting subgroup 1 period to people who lived within in 10km radius of the Horne smelter, at any time since October 23, 2023 (while Plaintiffs were proposing January 1, 1991) and limiting also the period in the proposed compensation plan.
Decision rendered on authorization
On September 30, 2025, the Quebec Superior Court rendered its decision on the Application for authorization of a class action, following the hearing held from May 12 to May 15, 2025 in Rouyn-Noranda. The Court authorized the bringing of a class action against Glencore and the Governement of Quebec, allowing the Plaintiffs to move forward with the action and claim, in the name of the group :
- Moral damages (fear, anxiety, stress, anger, guilt, etc.);
- Troubles and inconveniences;
- Punitive damages;
- Order enjoining Glencore Canada Corporation to reduce all emissions of contaminants from the Horne smelter to the maximum concentrations established by current regulatory standards.
The court authorized the bringing of a class action for the two subgroups mentioned above.
Hearing date set
On February 10, 2025, the Court set the hearing date on the Application for authorization of a class action. The hearing will take place from May 12 to May 15, 2025, at 9:00AM, at the Rouyn-Noranda courthouse. The hearing is public and any interested person may attend.
Permissions for evidence
On January 24, 2025, the Government of Quebec and Glencore Corporation Canada file new motions for permission to produce relevant evidence, to be authorized to file additional exhibits and to examine the Plaintiffs out of court. On February 10, 2025, the Court granted the requested permission to file additional exhibits and to examine the Plaintiffs. The examinations were held on February 27, 2025.
Modification of application
On December 19, 2024, Plaintiffs filed a Motion for permission to modify the Application for authorization of a class action. The modifications were intended to reformulate the proposed subgroup's definition and to add, precise or correct some allegations of fact, notably to reflect the new events that the Plaintiffs were made aware of or related to the additional exhibits filed by the Defendants. The Court granted the permission to modify the Application on February 10th, 2025. On February 25, 2025, the Plaintiffs filed the Reamended Motion for authorization to institute a class action (French only).
Court decisions on Horne smelter evidence
On November 4, 2024, Justice Daniel Dumais rendered a decision on the two motions for permission to produce relevant evidence. The Court refused permission to file 28 of the 33 exhibits that the Attorney General of Quebec and Glencore sought to file for the hearing on the application for authorization to initiate a class action. You can view the judgment by clicking on the link below.
Decision for permission to produce relevant evidence (French only)
Evidence motions filed
On August 23, 2024, Government of Quebec and Glencore Corporation Canada filed motions for permission to produce relevant evidence. These motions can be accessed by clicking on the links below. They seek the Court's authorization to file documents in evidence for the hearing on the application for authorization to institute a class action. These motions were presented to the Court on September 26 and 27 at the Rouyn-Noranda courthouse. The Tribunal has taken these motions under advisement. We will publish the judgment when it is rendered.
AGQ's motion for permission to produce relevant evidence (French only)
Glencore's motion for permission to produce relevant evidence (French only)
Amended application filed
On April 24, 2024, Siskinds, Desmeules amended the application for authorization to institute a class action to consider, among other things, the latest developments in the file and comments received at an information meeting held in Rouyn-Noranda on November 17, 2023.
The amended application for authorization is available here. (French only)
Initial class action filing
On October 23, 2023, Siskinds, Desmeules filed for the Plaintiffs an application for authorization to institute a class action before the Superior Court of Quebec, alleging liability on the part of Glencore Corporation Canada and the Government of Quebec for damages caused to residents of certain sectors of the City of Rouyn-Noranda as a result of the release of toxic and carcinogenic contaminants far exceeding air quality standards by the Horne smelter.
You can view a copy of the application for authorization by clicking here. (French only)
The class action is in its early stage and has not yet been authorized by the court.
FAQs
Who is affected by this class action?
You are affected by this class action and could be a "class member" if you have resided at any time since January 1, 1991 in the Quartier Notre-Dame or within the urbanization perimeter of the City of Rouyn-Noranda and have suffered or are still suffering an injury resulting from the emission of toxic and carcinogenic contaminants from the Horne smelter.
There are no steps involved in joining the class. If you fall within the group's definition, you are automatically part of the class action, unless you opted out of the class action.
What should I do to protect my rights?
To protect your rights, you should:
- Keep all proof of residence in the Quartier Notre-Dame or within the urbanization perimeter of the City of Rouyn-Noranda;
- Keep any proof of financial loss related to maintaining your home, mitigating exposure or protecting your or your family's health;
- Keep all proof of your relocation, expropriation or sale of your property to the Horne smelter for the purpose of creating a buffer zone; and
- Email or call us to subscribe to our database and receive all updates and notices concerning this class action.
All personal information provided to Siskinds, Desmeules will be kept confidential. For information on how your personal information may be collected, used, stored and disclosed, please see our Privacy Policy by clicking here.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.
Contact us by phone at 418.694.2009, or toll-free at 1.877.735.3842, or write to us at [email protected].
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Documents
Amended application for authorization to institute a class action (2) - February 25, 2025 (in French only) (in French only)
Amended application for authorization to institute a class action (1) - April 24, 2024 (in French only) (in French only)
Application for authorization to institute a class action Application for authorization - October 23, 2023 (in French only)
Glencore's motion for permission to produce relevant evidence - August 23, 2024 (in French only)
Decision for permission to produce relevant evidence - November 4, 2024 (in French only)
List of residential addresses in Quartier Notre-Dame
AGQ's motion for permission to produce relevant evidence - September 9, 2024 (in French only)
Map of Rouyn-Noranda urbanization perimeter
Proposed Compensation plan (in French only)