COOPER REGEL, along with KOSKIE MINSKY LLP, commenced an action on December 18, 2018 against Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta. The Class is composed of all First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals who were sterilized (tubal procedure) without their proper and informed consent.
UPDATES
June 6, 2025
On May 7, 2025, the Alberta Court of King’s Bench dismissed the Plaintiff’s motion for certification. The Plaintiff has decided not to appeal the court’s decision.
Koskie Minsky LLP and Cooper Regel LLP sought to represent all Indian, non-status Indian, Inuit and Métis women who were sterilized in Alberta between 1972 and 2018, without their proper and informed consent. Unfortunately, the court has determined that this claim cannot be advanced as a class action against the Province of Alberta. Instead, the claimants must pursue their own cases individually. We cannot assist individuals or provide you with legal advice about these claims, and you will need to retain your own counsel to advise and assist you.
If you are an Indian, non-status Indian, Inuit or Métis women who was sterilized in Alberta between 1972 and 2018, we recommend that you seek legal advice about any claims you may have as soon as possible. As a result of the court’s decision to deny certification, the limitation period is now running again for these claims and strict limitation periods may apply.
You can access information about finding a lawyer in Alberta through the Law Society of Alberta’s Lawyer Directory: https://lsa.memberpro.net/main/body.cfm
May 15, 2025
On May 7, 2025, Justice Neufeld of the Alberta Court of King’s Bench dismissed the Plaintiff’s motion to certify this action as a class proceeding. Justice Neufeld’s decision is available here.
The Plaintiff is currently considering her appeal options. We will post a further update in the coming weeks.
March 10, 2025
The Plaintiffs’ motion for certification was heard in January 2025. The Court reserved its decision following the hearing, meaning it will be rendered later. We will update our website once the Court’s decision is released.
DOCUMENTS
March 8, 2019 – Forced Sterilization Statement of Claim
May 7, 2025 – Reasons for Decision