Saskatoon law firm decides against class-action suit for residents who lost homes to wildfires
Procido LLP said the legal proceedings could last decades
A Saskatoon law firm that was exploring the possibility of a class-action lawsuit against the provincial government for residents who lost their homes to wildfires in northern Saskatchewan has decided against pursuing it.
On July 7, Procido LLP held a webinar for what was expected to be five or six people to provide information about the class-action process. Instead, more than 100 people showed up to share their stories.
The law firm told attendees it would make a decision in two weeks about whether or not to proceed with the class-action.
The firm conducted an initial legal analysis based on calls, emails, messages and meetings, and reviewed relevant case law and applicable registration, Chad Eggerman, founding partner at Procido LLP, told CBC in an email Tuesday.
"We have determined this matter may not lend itself well to a class action that could be resolved in a reasonable time frame," he said, adding that the evaluation suggested the case would be a "long, drawn-out process, potentially lasting decades."
Eggerman said that despite the decision, the law firm recognizes there are people who may require legal assistance in relation to the wildfires and is open to those conversations.
'We're not going anywhere': Denare Beach resident
Rhonda Werbicki, who lost her house and garage to the Wolf fire in Denare Beach in June, said she found out by email that the class action would not be proceeding. She said the decision didn't surpise her.
"I think that is a huge risk to the law firm and like a huge amount of time, you know, like, they're putting in all this work with no guarantee of even any payment," Werbicki said.
Werbicki said the class action wasn't just about compensation — she and many others were looking for answers.
"I just feel like Scott Moe's response has been … it's just been terrible and I just feel like there's just been no justice for that," she said.
Despite the law firm's decision, Werbicki said many of the registrants have not given up their push for accountability from the government.
"There's definitely like a bunch of us that are still writing his office constantly. Like we're not going anywhere and I don't know if he realizes that, " she said.
Werbicki said she has been a long-time Sask. Party voter, but the way Scott Moe has handled the wildfires this season has changed that.
"I think that he's burned a lot of bridges," she said.
"I voted for his party. I will never do that again … and I know that sentiment from a lot of people."
As new fires start to tear their way through the province's north, Werbicki said she hopes to see better management from the province this time around.
She pointed to the Muskeg Fire in the Beauval area, where "there was more response" from the government.
"Maybe there was a lesson learned in this," said Werbicki.
"I think just going forward, we just never want this to happen again. We want preventative measures made."
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with files from Alexander Quon