On February 16, 2007, SGM filed a class action against London Life on behalf of a group of former London Life employees.

As a result of layoffs and restructuring in 1996, a partial wind-up of the London Life staff pension plan was ordered. London Life contested the order to partially wind-up the staff pension plan. The order was upheld by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. Subsequently, London Life declined to pay the surplus to affected members of the plan taking the position that owned the surplus.

To view a copy of the statement of claim, click here (pdf).

On February 6, 2008, the Honourable Justice Joan Lax heard the motion to certify the case as a class action.

On May 6, 2008, she released her judgment granting certification.

To view a copy of the judgment on the certification motion, click here (pdf).

Justice Lax defined the class as follows:

All Office members (i.e. administrative employees) of the London Life Insurance Company Staff Pension Plan, Registration No. 0343368 with a vested entitlement under the Plan, who were employed by the London Life Insurance Company ("London Life") and whose employment was terminated by London Life in 1996 or who voluntarily resigned or retired as a result of the 1996 reorganization of London Life or the discontinuance in 1996 of a significant portion of the business of London Life, including such members' beneficiaries or estates.

The defendant must now deliver a statement of defence and a list of names and addresses of class members.

Update: London Life has given notice that it intends to seek leave to appeal the order of Justice Lax certifying the case as a class action. The motion for leave to appeal is scheduled to be heard on June 24, 2008. If the motion for leave is dismissed, than the case will proceed as a class action. If the motion for leave is granted, than a three-judge panel of the Divisional Court will review the decision of Justice Lax and will decide whether to affirm or reverse her order.

The plaintiffs are represented by Howard Goldblatt, Dona Campbell and Louis Sokolov.

If you are a member of the class or have questions about this class action, please email: londonlifeclassaction@sgmlaw.com.