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ARTICLE · 01 MAY 2025

Forever Chemicals, Forever Liability? The Rise Of PFAS Class Actions In Canada

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
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Canadian courts are increasingly confronting class action litigation over PFAS contamination, with plaintiffs alleging that government entities and private manufacturers failed to warn the public about the risks posed by these persistent chemicals. Recent cases demonstrate how courts are addressing claims of negligence, nuisance, and environmental liability while grappling with allegations that defendants concealed known dangers of PFAS exposure.

CanadaEnvironment
Jennifer Fairfax
Jennifer Fairfax
Brad Gilmour
Brad Gilmour
Evan Barz
Evan Barz
Clare Barrowman
Clare Barrowman
Daniel Kiesman
Daniel Kiesman
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Key takeaways

  • The Canadian government has classified PFAS as toxic substances and introduced new regulations effective June 30, 2026.
  • Class actions related to PFAS contamination are being initiated against government and private entities across various provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia.
  • Organizations handling PFAS should evaluate their litigation risk and compliance measures as the regulatory landscape evolves.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) litigation is becoming increasingly common in Canada. Following a wave of class actions in the United States, Canadian courts are now grappling with claims over alleged contamination from these “forever chemicals.” In this Osler Update, we discuss certain of the latest developments related to PFAS litigation.

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