Use of Neonicotinoids
In 2014, Siskinds LLP and Siskinds Desmeules began class actions in Ontario and Quebec against Bayer and Syngenta (the "Defendants"), who are involved in the development, production, manufacturing, marketing and selling of neonicotinoid pesticides. Neonicotinoids are commonly used in agriculture in Quebec to eliminate certain pests and protect crops.
During the relevant period, neonicotinoids were a widely used class of insecticides in agriculture, particularly in Quebec and Ontario, to eliminate certain pests and protect crops.
Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to a range of harmful effects for honey bees.
Neonicotinoid pesticides harm honey bees
The facts in support of the class actions against neonicotinoids manufacturers are that the neonicotinoids developed, produced, marketed and sold by the defendants cause damages to honey bees, including reproductive and behavioral problems, the reduction of honey production and death, leading to financial losses for beekeepers.
Beekeeper class action eligibility and compensation
The lawsuits are brought on behalf of beekeepers, including those individuals and companies that were in the business of honey production, queen bee rearing and/or pollination services for the period between January 1st, 2006 and February 20, 2018. The class actions seek in excess of $400 million in damages. On February 20, 2018, the Superior Court of Quebec authorized the Quebec action to move forward to trial as a class proceeding.
The plaintiffs have served their expert reports for the common issues trial.
Join the beekeepers’ class action today
Think you may be a member of this class action or know someone who might be? Eligible beekeepers and pollination service providers are encouraged to consider joining the class action to pursue compensation for losses caused by neonicotinoid exposure. Fill out the form below to join the action and receive updates on this case. Our class action lawyers will be in touch.
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.
Need more information?
Please email [email protected] or call us at 418.694.2009 or toll-free at 1.877.735.3842, if you have any questions, concerns, or information about the neonicotinoids case.
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
Judgment Rendered on Authorizing the Quebec Class Action
Authorization is an essential step in Canada class actions, it is the stage where the court determines in a preliminary manner whether or not the proposed legal action is serious and should proceed to trial.
Notwithstanding the defendants' arguments against the authorization, the presiding Judge concludes that the plaintiff's claims are sufficiently serious and precise to justify the bringing of the class action against the defendants.
The action was authorized on behalf of beekeepers in Quebec between January 1, 2006 and February 20, 2018. The court authorized common issues relating to the alleged wrongdoing of the Defendants in the manufacturing and sale of neonicotinoids pesticides, which have been linked to honey bee colony losses, reduced production, and other losses.
Next Steps in the Class Action Litigation
The class action is now moving towards a hearing on the merits. As part of the hearing of the merits, the court will be asked to determine the common issues, assess liability, and consider damages suffered by the affected beekeepers.
Notice of Authorization
Short Form Notice: [English] [French]
Long Form Notice: [English] [French]
News Updates on the Neonicotinoid Class Action
On November 5, 2014, Siskinds LLP responded to a story which appeared in the Financial Post on October 28, 2014 titled "Beekeepers blaming pesticides for bee losses could face bigger losses in court". Siskinds’ response to the article can be found here.
- CBC - Beekeeper's $20K class-action suit goes ahead as evidence mounts of neonicotinoids' effects
- TVA Nouvelles – Une action collective au secours des abeilles autorisée
- Radio-Canada - La Cour autorise une action collective contre les pesticides « tueurs d’abeilles »
- Le Devoir - Pesticides: une action collective est autorisée contre Bayer et Syngenta
- Radio-Canada International - Rescapées de l’enfer des pesticides : une action collective au secours des abeilles autorisée
- Journal de Montréal – Action collective au secours des abeilles
FAQs
What does “certification” (known as "authorization" in Quebec) 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).
Can I join the neonicotinoids class action 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 exclude myself from the neonicotinoids class action class action?
The deadline to opt out of this class action was on December 11, 2018. Please click here to see the Notice
What should I do to protect my rights?
Beekeepers who are or may be included in this litigation should take care to preserve all of their relevant records, particularly those that show their losses/damage. Such records may include: pesticide presence/honey bee mortality test results; beehive losses/replacement records; receipts showing expenses incurred to replace lost honey bees/contaminated beekeeping equipment; and any other relevant financial, laboratory, or photographic records.
If you haven’t done so already, click on the Join button and register to receive updates on this case by filling out the form.
All personal information provided to Siskinds will be kept private and confidential.
Who is affected by the neonicotinoids class action?
You may be affected by the class action and are a “member” of the class if you or your company was in the business of honey production, queen bee rearing and/or pollination services between January 1st, 2006 and February 20, 2018.
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.
For information in French or to contact our Quebec office, Siskinds, Desmeules, call us at 418.694.2009 or at the toll-free number 1.877.735.3845 or email 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
Short Form Notice: [English] [French]
Long Form Notice: [English] [French]
Judgment authorizing the class action, Quebec Superior Court - February 20, 2018 (English only)
Judicial application originating class proceeding – November 29, 2018 (English only)
Motion for authorization to institute a class action - October 9, 2014 (English only)