Ray Wagner explored the idea of starting a VLT class action in Nova Scotia prior to the provincial government passing a law which has the effect of outlawing such proceedings. This legislative action came on the heels of a class action that was brought in Newfoundland and Labrador, successfully obtaining certification at every level of court in that province. Those decisions were ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court of Canada in July 2020. Ultimately, every Atlantic province scrambled to pass legislation that would ensure those who have been harmed by VLTs can never successfully band together and sue the government for the significant harms suffered as a result of these machines.
During the 2020 legislative session, Nova Scotia introduced provisions in a bill titled the Financial Measures Act. Essentially, this bill was put into place to protect the government from the financial impact of successful class action lawsuits brought to ameliorate the harms caused by VLT machines.
If you would like to find out more, read the full article here: https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/house-wins-why-provinces-banned-class-action-suits-by-victims-of-vlts-100740243/