In April 2005 class action claims were filed in the courts in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec on behalf of all farmers of cattle resident in Canada on May 20, 2003. The claims allege that negligence on the part of the Federal Government and Ridley Inc. caused the BSE crisis in Canada, and the corresponding loss of income to Canadian cattle producers. The statements of claim may be viewed here.

Canada has the safest cattle and beef industry in the world. However, from 1987 to 1996 the Federal government dropped the ball and it has cost Canadian cattle producers billions of dollars so far, with no end in sight. While the extensive safeguards the Federal government has put in place now ensure that Canadian cattle and beef are the safest in the world, this cannot excuse the debt owed to our cattle producers for past wrongs. You are entitled to redress and our job is to see that you get it.

This class action is being run cooperatively by a team of lawyers from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, and is intended as a national class action to benefit all producers of cattle in Canada. To view details of the lawyers involved, click here.

If you believe you may be entitled to compensation should this action be successful, please register here. If you were a Canadian cattle producer on May 20, 2003 this means you. It is important. Please tell your fellow cattle producers who do not have internet access that they can register at 1-866-800-0075.

There is no way of knowing at this stage how long this action will take to produce a result, or even what that result may be. We recommend that all potential members of the class retain their financial records going as far back as possible, as these records may be critical in determining the financial damages you are entitled to recover should this action be successful.