By Isaac Olson
NDG-based
lawyer Michael Simkin is leading the charge to Quebec’s Supreme Court, seeking
permission to launch a class-action lawsuit against eight corporations over
what has been dubbed the “pink tax.”
The
Legal Logik firm is going after Unilever Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean
Coutu, Uniprix, Métro, Loblaws, Walmart and Familiprix for offering
“discriminatory surcharges” on hygiene products marketed to women. The products
on a per-gram basis average 40 percent more for women than they are for men
despite being composed of the same ingredients. The law firm is estimating the
total damages could reach over $100 million.
Legal
Logik is representing NDG-resident Aviva Maxwell in this appeal, while arguing
this price discrimination goes against the Quebec Charter of Rights.
“First
of all, this has been going on for a very long time, but there has been some
pretty solid research more recently that demonstrates that it is not just an
isolated phenomenon,” said Simkin in a phone interview. “It’s across the board
in every jurisdiction. It’s really a commercial practice. It’s a marketing
practice and it is incredibly gender bias.”
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| Michael Simkin addresses the borough council in November 2015. Photo: Isaac Olson |
I support this lawsuit!
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