What is a representative plaintiff?
In a class action, a representative plaintiff is a person who
willingly steps forward and brings an action, in their name, on
behalf of a class of similarly situated individuals. They play an
active role in the litigation and assume important duties and
responsibilities in assisting counsel to move the action forward
including, among other things, communicating with and instructing
counsel, swearing affidavits, and even being asked to testify.
Is there a reward for acting as a representative
plaintiff?
Acting as a representative plaintiff can be a rewarding
experience in more ways than one. Aside from providing access to
justice to class members who may not have otherwise brought an
action on their own behalf, in the event of a successful outcome
(i.e., a settlement or favourable judgment after trial),
the courts in most provinces may award a representative plaintiff
additional compensation as a reward for their contributions
