A class action is a lawsuit which provides a method for a large group of people with common claims to come together to advance one claim on behalf of the group. Class actions are more efficient and cost-effective and allow for groups of people with common claims to gain access to the legal system and seek justice on their behalf.

A certification motion is where the court determines whether an action can be pursued as a class action. The court considers factors such as whether the claims of the class members raise common legal and/or factual issues and whether a class action is the preferable method of pursuing the claims (as opposed to individual actions).