Justice for Families: Manitoba Revera Class Action Lawsuit Officially Certified
The families of those who lived through the devastating COVID-19 outbreak at the Maples Long-Term Care Home in Winnipeg have reached a major milestone in their quest for accountability. A Manitoba judge has officially certified a class-action lawsuit against Revera Inc. and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA).
At Diamond and Diamond, we have been at the forefront of this fight since the beginning. This certification is not just a procedural win; it is a vital step toward ensuring that the voices of the vulnerable are heard and that such a tragedy never happens again.
What Does Certification Mean?
In simple terms, certification means that the court has ruled the lawsuit can proceed as a class action. This allows a group of people with similar claims in this case, residents and their families to sue collectively rather than as individuals.
Associate Chief Justice Shane Perlmutter of the Court of King’s Bench noted in his decision that there is “some basis in fact” for the claims of negligence. This greenlight allows the case to move toward a trial where the allegations of systemic failure will be examined in detail.
A Heartbreaking Chapter in Manitoba’s History
The lawsuit centers on the Maples Long-Term Care Home outbreak, which began in October 2020. It remains one of the deadliest outbreaks in the province’s history, tragically claiming the lives of 56 residents.
The representative plaintiffs, Eddie Calisto-Tavares and Lawrence Lewsey who both lost parents during the outbreak allege that Revera and the WRHA were negligent in their planning and response. Reports from the time detailed critical staffing shortages, with some residents reportedly suffering from dehydration and a lack of basic care during the height of the crisis.
A Message from Diamond and Diamond
Darryl Singer, Head of Class Actions at Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, expressed the significance of this moment for the families involved.
“Our team and the representative plaintiffs felt a sense of elation after the class-action lawsuit was certified. It’s often difficult for class-action lawsuits to ‘get over that hump’ of the certification process. Now that it will be moving forward, the real work is going to begin. Our clients are seeking change alongside financial compensation.”
Who Is Included in the Class Action?
The certified class includes:
- Anyone who contracted COVID-19 while a resident at the Maples Long-Term Care Home during the outbreak (October 20, 2020, to January 12, 2021).
- The estates of residents who passed away due to the virus.
- Family members of those residents as defined under the Fatal Accidents Act.
Looking Forward
While the certification is a victory, the legal journey is far from over. The allegations against Revera and the WRHA have not yet been proven in court. However, this ruling ensures that the defendants must now answer for the conditions and decisions that led to the tragedy at Maples.
For the families, this is about more than just a legal outcome it is about honouring the memory of their loved ones and advocating for a higher standard of care in Manitoba’s long-term care system.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at a Revera facility in Manitoba, you may be part of this class action. At Diamond and Diamond, we are committed to supporting families through every step of this complex process.
For more information on this specific case and how to get involved, please visit our dedicated Revera Manitoba Class Action page.
If you have questions about your rights or other long-term care concerns, contact Diamond and Diamond today at 1-800-567-HURT.