At least 42 class action suits have been filed related to responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Canadian Bar Association class action database.

The bar association tracks class action activity across Canada on its web site, which allows for easy searches. Entering the term “COVID-19” generates 42 pending class actions (as of October 27), none of which are yet certified.

An informal tally of those actions shows that business interruption insurance is the most common issue, with 15 such suits filed. Twenty-three of the 42 were filed in Quebec, 11 in Ontario, six in British Columbia and one each in Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia.

Beyond business interruption action, many other areas of consumer frustration with unanticipated pandemic reactions are also reflected in the actions.

Both the first and most recent class action suit relate to travel claims, including the issuance of vouchers instead of refunds for cancelled flights. There are two related to the inability to collect on travel insurance and one other regarding reward points redeemed to select travel rewards cancelled as a result of the pandemic.

There are at least six class actions relating to long-term care facilities. Another action relates to the care of Quebec prisoners exposed to COVID-19. There are three class actions resulting from the inability to gain promised ticket refunds from Ticketmaster and other providers, and three involving post-secondary educational institution choices and online versus in-person instruction.

According to airpassengerrights.ca, a certification hearing on one of the class actions against airlines will start in federal court on November 2.