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Federal Court gives green light to action over alleged military pension delays

Nov 5, 2019 | 2:02 PM

OTTAWA — A judge has certified a class-action lawsuit from former military reservists who say they endured lengthy waits for pension payments.

In a decision made public today, Federal Court Justice James O’Reilly says the necessary legal requirements for the action have been met.

Former members say they had to wait weeks, months or even years before receiving monies owed to them.

It took more than six months for payments to begin flowing to retired naval reservist Douglas Jost, the representative plaintiff.

Federal lawyers opposed certification of the class action, arguing various conditions had not been met.

Adam Tanel, a lawyer for Jost, says if there is no federal appeal of the ruling, the class members are ready to begin settlement negotiations immediately or proceed to trial as quickly as possible.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 5, 2019.

The Canadian Press