Lawyer seeks to add Alberta corporations to list of plaintiffs in COVID-related class-action lawsuit
'They're still suffering from these orders. They're still suffering from a massive debt burden,' the lawyer said.
But Dube said the group would not be limited to just small corporations.
'The proposed class of all corporations in Alberta run the whole gamut,' he said.
Last Oct. 30, the Calgary Court of King's Bench judge ruled the class action could proceed on behalf of individual business owners who may have suffered losses due to unauthorized restrictions imposed by the Jason Kenney government.
Feasby said the case can proceed on six common issues impacting all business owners affected by measures imposed by provincial cabinet and issued in the name of Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
In 2023, Justice Barb Romaine ruled the measures ordered were unlawfully imposed under the Public Health Act because the decisions to issue the CMOH orders were made by cabinet and not Hinshaw.
The province has appealed Feasby's certification of the class action, but did not challenge Romaine's earlier ruling the government acted illegally.
Feasby said he will try to hand down a decision by next month.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
What is 'orthosomnia?'
What is 'orthosomnia?' Have you ever lied awake at night worried about how well you're going to be able to sleep? You're not alone, and the phenomenon even has a name.
CTV News
5 hours ago
- CTV News
How To Choose An Air Purifier
Learn how to choose the right air purifier : compare filters, room sizes, noise levels, and features to find the best option for clean, healthy air. Whether it's wildfire smoke sneaking into your windows, pet dander floating through the air, or just that persistent smell of yesterday's dinner, a good air purifier can seriously upgrade your indoor air quality. But with so many models, acronyms, and marketing claims floating around, choosing the right one can feel like trying to find fresh produce in January. Here's a practical, no-nonsense guide to help you make the right choice for your space, your needs, and your budget. What Exactly Is an Air Purifier? An air purifier pulls in your indoor air, filters out contaminants like dust, pollen, smoke, and odours, and then pushes cleaner air back into your space. Most purifiers rely on filters (ideally True HEPA) and many include activated carbon to absorb VOCs and smells. Bonus: Some models even tackle bacteria and viruses, though you'll want to read the fine print (and the science) before betting your health on UV lights or ionizers. Questions to Ask Before You Buy How Big Is the Room? Air purifiers are sized based on square footage (sq ft or m²). Buying one that's too small for your space is like trying to heat your garage with a toaster. Bedrooms or offices? 100–200 sq ft (9–18 m²) typically only require a compact unit. Open concept living rooms? Look for models rated for 400+ sq ft (37+ m²). Check the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) — higher means faster filtration. What Do You Want to Remove? Allergies? Look for a True HEPA filter — not 'HEPA-type' or 'HEPA-like'. The real deal captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. Smells or VOCs? Make sure your purifier includes activated carbon. Smoke? Check CADR ratings specifically for smoke. Mould? Consider a unit with a pre-filter and good humidity control. Is It for a Bedroom? Look at the noise rating (in decibels). Below 30 dB is whisper-quiet. Over 50 dB? That's white noise territory, which may or may not help you sleep. How Much Energy Will It Use? Since purifiers often run 24/7, energy efficiency matters. Look for Energy Star® certified models (recognized by Natural Resources Canada). Your energy bill will thank you. Types of Air Purifiers True HEPA Filters Captures fine particles like dust, pollen, pet hair, mould spores, and wildfire smoke. Always check for 'True HEPA' — it's a regulated standard. Activated Carbon Filters Essential for removing odours, smoke, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Especially helpful if you cook often or live with smokers. UV-C Light Claims to neutralize bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet light. Mixed evidence on real-world effectiveness, and bulbs need regular replacement. Use with a healthy dose of skepticism. Ionizers and Ozone Generators Some models 'ionize' the air, charging particles so they clump and fall. The catch? Some ionizers release ozone, which can be irritating or even dangerous at high levels. Look for CARB-certified models if you're considering this route. Features Worth Your Attention Air Quality Sensors & Auto Mode: Detect pollution in real-time and adjust fan speed automatically. Efficient and lazy-friendly. Filter Replacement Indicator: Trust us, you won't remember on your own. Smart Features: App control, Alexa/Google compatibility, scheduling — helpful if you like tech, or forget to turn things off. Sleep Mode: Dims the lights and lowers fan speed for night-time use. Filter Cost & Availability: Some filters cost as much as the machine. Check before you buy — especially if it's a lesser-known brand. Important Numbers to Know CADR Rating: Speed of air cleaning (higher = faster) Coverage Area: Room size in sq ft / m² Noise Level: Measured in dB; <30 dB = quiet Filter Life: Typically 6–12 months; check the cost to replace Energy Use: Energy Star = lower Hydro bills Final Tips One purifier ≠ whole house. You'll need one per major room (or a fancy HVAC-integrated system). Don't forget to factor in filter replacement every 6 to 12 months — and shipping if it's not stocked at Canadian retailers. Our Top Picks for an Air Purifier Our Guide To The Best Air Purifiers In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Portable Air Conditioners In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Vacuum/Mop Combos In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them) Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
CTV News
6 hours ago
- CTV News
Australian man dies from ‘extremely rare' bat bite virus
Sydney, Australia -- An Australian man has died from an 'extremely rare' rabies-like infection transmitted by a bat bite, health officials said Thursday. The man in his 50s was bitten by a bat carrying Australian bat lyssavirus several months ago, the health service in New South Wales said. 'We express our sincere condolences to the man's family and friends for their tragic loss,' NSW Health said in a statement. 'While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it.' The man from northern New South Wales, who has not been identified, was this week listed as being in a 'critical condition' in hospital. Officials said he was treated following the bite and they were investigating to see whether other exposures or factors played a role in his illness. The virus -- a close relative to rabies, which does not exist in Australia -- is transmitted when bat saliva enters the human body through a bite or scratch. First symptoms can take days or years to appear. Early signs of the disease are flu-like -- a headache, fever and fatigue, the health service said. The victim's condition rapidly deteriorates, leading to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death. There were only three previous cases of human infection by Australian bat lyssavirus since it was first identified in 1996 -- all of them fatal. 'Coma and death' People should avoid touching or handling bats, as any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus, the New South Wales health service said. Only wildlife handlers who are trained, protected, and vaccinated should interact with the flying mammals, it warned. 'If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by a bat, you need to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action,' it said. 'Patients then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.' The virus has been found in species of flying foxes and insect-eating microbats, NSW Health said. The species of bat involved in the latest fatality has not been identified. 'Australian bat lyssavirus is very closely related to rabies and will cause death in susceptible people if they become infected and are not treated quickly,' said James Gilkerson, infectious diseases expert at the University of Melbourne. The virus was first identified in May 1996 by scientists at the national science agency CSIRO, who examined brain tissue from a flying fox that had been showing 'nervous signs' in New South Wales. Later that year, a bat handler in Queensland became ill. 'The initial numbness and weakness suffered in her arm progressed to coma and death,' the science agency said in an online document on the virus. 'Two further cases in Queensland -- a woman in 1998 and an eight year old boy in 2013 -- resulted in death after being bitten or scratched by a bat,' it said. There are subtle differences between the lyssavirus in flying foxes and insectivorous bats, the science agency has found. Infected bats can transmit the virus to people, other bats and other mammals.
