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What Can Be Expected if the First Nations Water Class Lawsuit Isn’t Handled Out of Court?

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The First Nations water class lawsuit is a legal case in which two First Nations, Tataskweyak and Neskantaga, sued the federal government of Canada.

The two First Nations argued that they had not received equitable treatment with respect to their right to clean, potable water. They also alleged that the federal government did not live up to its fiduciary duty concerning the rights of the indigenous people.

The lawsuit was filed in November 2016, but it wasn’t until July 2021 that the Canadian federal court in Ottawa approved an agreement reached between the complainants and the federal government agreed to pay $8 billion towards settling the case.

Understanding a Class Action Lawsuit

A class action lawsuit is a combination of lawsuits where the parties involved (class members) unite against a defendant for common harm suffered due to the defendant’s negligence.

However, the harm doesn’t have to have an equal measure for all the class members.

The only requirement is that the circumstances surrounding the resulting harm be the same. In other words, different class members can suffer different harmful outcomes for the same actions.

For example, consuming contaminated water could cause cancer in one group and gut-related illnesses in another. Under such circumstances, the two groups can belong to the same class against the defendant, but the value of their compensation could differ.

What the Ruling Means to Class Members

Following the ruling, the federal government agreed to pay $8 billion to the communities and individuals who suffered harm due to the federal government’s negligence. Persons that originally registered in the class may not have to register again.

But other people that want to be part of the class but were not original members have until March 2023 to register and December 22, 2022, for communities.

The largest chunk of the settlement funds will go into developing infrastructure that will ensure that the communities have access to clean drinking water.

Also, eligibility is limited to persons that lived in the first nation area from November 20, 1995, to June 20, 2021. Also, a claimant must be a member of any First Nation. By agreeing to take the offer, the members of the class lawsuit give up their right to hold the federal government liable for any damages suffered during the period, but they can still retain the right to sue for harm caused by drinking water after June 2021.

What If the Case Didn’t Settle Out of Court

When the court had to approve the agreement between the federal government and the members of the first nation’s lawsuits, the agreement was reached out of court, which is the case for most tort cases. Had the government chosen not to offer compensation, the case would have had to go through a trial.

By agreeing to go to trial, both the claimant and the defendant would have to trust the strength of their case to produce the results they hope to get. Often most parties will agree to cede some ground to avoid the unpredictability of a trial outcome that the court determines.

Learning From Other Class Action Lawsuits around the World

The First Nation water class lawsuit is not the first in the world. Similar cases have been filed in other parts of the world, for example, Camp Lejeune in the USA.

For years, Camp Lejeune water contamination victims had been locked out of compensation through a legal technicality until congress passed laws allowing leeway to recover damages for damages from exposure to cancer-causing contaminants.

Several studies on the water linked bladder cancer to Camp Lejeune water contamination, with the main contaminant in the water being PCE, a chemical used in detergents and a known carcinogen.

Some First Nations Not Part of the Class

Not all first nations were included in the settlement because their approach to the case differed slightly from the others.

These nations reserve the right to pursue their compensation even as other groups recover damages from their settlement. These first nations are Tsuu T’ina, Sucker Creek, Ermineskin Cree, Blood Tribe (Kainai ), and the Okanagan Indian Band.

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Five Reasons Other Provinces Will Likely Follow the Ontario Digital Casino Model

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Ontario is Canada’s biggest province and serves as both a cultural and economic center for the nation. It is a province renowned for its innovation, and one area where they have certainly showcased their innovation is in the digital betting space. Ontario has fully leaned into the online betting world by allowing for government-regulated sports betting sites and casinos, something most other provinces are lagging far behind on.

Ontario has embraced the world of betting with its provincial regulator, iGaming Ontario, and they have seen a surge of benefits follow. Other provinces, such as Alberta and Quebec, are presumed to be considering making similar moves. But why is it that these other provinces would follow Ontario’s lead here? What are the core benefits that embracing the digital casino
market could provide? Let’s explore below.

Consumer Protection:

One of the biggest concerns for most provinces when it comes to virtual betting is potential dangers to consumers. Provinces don’t want to be seen as encouraging gambling, particularly when addiction is such a major problem. But what we have seen with online casinos in Ontario is that the consumer protection benefits from legalized betting are numerous. Having a primary
regulator based within the province allows for stronger enforcement of mandatory systems like age verification, spending controls, and self-exclusion programs. While, of course, gambling will always come with associated risks, legalization can also bring more stringent regulation of those risks. It is something of a double-edged sword, as it spreads gambling but also likely makes it safer.

Job Creation:

All provincial leaders want to be seen as expanding the economy, contributing to growing industries and creating more opportunities for their residents. The online gambling industry in Ontario has certainly done that. It is a surprise that more provinces haven’t seen the job figures and jumped at the potential opportunity. According to CBC, legalized betting in the province has contributed 15,000 jobs to Ontario, across both sports and casinos. That is a major outcome that should not be ignored. Operators from around the world, like FanDuel and PointsBet, have opened offices in Ontario, creating employment centers and adding to the economy.

Tax Revenue:

Arguably, the biggest thing that is enticing for governments about the situation in Ontario is how much taxable revenue the legalized sports betting market is creating. The Ontario market is projected to hit $3.2 billion in taxable revenue from online casinos, significant growth year over year. That is a vast figure that was completely absent from the market before the changes in regulation in the province. While it is unlikely that other provinces would see numbers of that size, given Ontario’s substantially higher population, there is no question that there would be a ton of extra money flowing in if countries embrace virtual casinos and sports betting. This is money that can support public services and infrastructure, go to resources like safe gambling groups, and overall contribute to the benefit of society.

Combatting the Foreign Market:

This is something that also fits in with the consumer protection grounds. Before Ontario had initiated its changes to the gambling industry, bettors would rely on offshore sportsbooks for most of their gambling. These are betting sites situated in locations like Curacao and Malta, where gambling regulations are not particularly stringent. That means provincial governments would have no control over the regulations of the websites that the betting sites and casinos use.
This obviously poses fairness and safety concerns. Beyond that, it is also a source of money that is flowing away from Canada and to foreign companies. Provinces would be wise to ensure that money doesn’t leave their borders.

Innovation:

The online betting industry is one that does not appear poised to be going anywhere, with major growth year over year. Becoming a hub for the industry and embracing innovation will allow provinces to remain on the cutting edge. Ontario has quickly taken on this status, with major local offices and inter-industry partnerships that foster dynamic tech growth. We are seeing the creation of high-quality Canadian brands that are achieving incredible success, and that is something that should make other provinces excited. The potential for the industry is massive. While safety has to be at the forefront, regulating this growing space seems to be the safest bet.

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8 Canadian Furniture Stores Have the Most Coffee Tables to Choose From

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A good coffee table is both a useful piece of furniture and a statement piece in the design of your living room. You need to go to a store that sells a lot of different styles, materials, and prices to find a table that fits your space. This guide lists 8 of the best Canadian furniture stores that sell coffee tables that look great and are a good deal.

Why It’s Important to Pick a Coffee Table

The coffee table is a key part of your living room’s design because it holds drinks, shows off decorations, and gives you more space. You should think about the style of the room, the space you have, the materials you like, and your daily needs before making a decision. In Canada, where stores sell a wide range of styles, from modern minimalist to classic traditional, it’s easier
than ever to find the perfect coffee table.

8 of the Best Places in Canada to Get Coffee Tables

1. The Brick: A Lot of Different Styles at Good Prices

The Brick is one of Canada’s most trusted furniture stores. They have a huge selection of coffee tables in modern, transitional, and traditional styles. They have tables with glass tops, wood designs, metal accents, and modern geometric shapes. The prices range from low to high. The Brick makes it easy to choose and buy a coffee table because they have regular sales,
financing options, and staff who know a lot about them. Homeowners can find tables that fit both their style and function needs because they have such a wide range of options.

2. IKEA Canada: Modern Styles at Prices That Are Fair

People know IKEA for its modern coffee tables that look good and work well. Their collection includes simple wooden tables with glass tops and smart ways to store things that work well in small spaces. Prices at IKEA start at less than CAD $200, so it’s easy for people on a budget to shop there. The “do it yourself” model at IKEA saves money, and their simple, clean designs
look great in both modern and transitional living rooms.

3. Wayfair Canada: A Lot of Choices Online, So You Can Find What You Need

Wayfair Canada has the most online furniture choices in all of North America. They have a huge selection of coffee tables in all styles and price ranges. Their site has high-quality pictures, detailed descriptions of the products, and reviews from other customers to help people make good choices. Shipping is free and returns are easy when you spend more than CAD $50. This makes it easy to shop online. Interior designers like Wayfair because it has a lot of styles and low prices that make it easy to find the right design solutions.

4. West Elm Canada: High-End Options With a Focus on Design

West Elm is all about modern looks and well-made design. They have carefully chosen coffee table sets that are made of eco-friendly materials and come in new styles. Their tables are well designed to serve both a purpose and look good. The prices are between CAD $300 and $800.

People who value durability and good looks over cheaper options like West Elm because they are committed to fine craftsmanship and classic style.

5. Structube: Collections That Are Modern and Stylish

Structube makes modern, stylish furniture, and they have a lot of coffee tables with clean lines and storage that works. Their collections are mostly Scandinavian and modern, and they also save space. Structube’s prices are fair, usually between CAD $150 and $600, so people who care about fashion can easily afford them. You can try out their products before you buy them at their showrooms all over Canada.

6. Article: Cheap Furniture That Is Designed to Look Good

The main point of Article is that modern design can be affordable. It focuses on coffee tables that are both stylish and durable. Their collection includes simple designs, pieces with mid-century modern influences, and options made from materials that are good for the environment.

Article’s direct-to-consumer model keeps prices low and design quality high at the same time. People feel good about buying things online from them because they have detailed product descriptions and customer reviews.

7. Costco Canada: Members Get Better Prices and Better Quality

Only Costco members can buy high-quality coffee tables at prices that are only available to them. They always have a different selection of well-made tables in a wide range of styles, and they often have big sales compared to other stores. Costco is a safe place to shop because they have strict quality standards and long return policies (90 days or more for most items). Members who want to save money can shop easily at warehouses all over Canada.

8. Jysk: A Wide Range of Styles at Prices That Are Easy to Afford

Jysk has a lot of coffee tables that are cheap but still good quality. They have a lot of different styles, from traditional to transitional to modern, in metal, glass, and wood. Prices at Jysk range from $100 to $400 CAD, which is great for people on a budget. In many places in Canada, customers can look at and rate tables before they buy them.

Things to Keep in Mind When Picking a Coffee Table

When looking for a coffee table, you should consider the style of the room, how much floor space you have, and what you need. Tables with storage spaces are great for small living rooms, and glass or metal surfaces make the room look brighter. Wood tables are warm and last a long time, but you can make them more interesting by using modern materials like concrete or reclaimed wood. Take careful measurements of your space. If you leave 18 inches between your coffee table and sofa, you’ll have enough room for your legs and for people to walk around.

How to Know About Styles and Materials

There are many different styles of wood tables, from sleek and modern to more classic. They are warm and last a long time. Tables with glass tops make rooms look brighter and are good for small spaces, but they need to be cleaned often. Metal frames with wood or glass tops look very industrial and work well in modern rooms. If you don’t have a lot of space in your home, upholstered or storage tables can be very helpful. Consider how you live. For instance, families with small children might choose strong wood or metal over glass that breaks easily.

Your Last Choice

Before you decide, visit a few stores to look at different styles, quality, and prices. Measure the room, take pictures of what you already have, and write down the styles you like. Most stores in Canada will deliver and set up your purchase for an extra fee. This makes the buying process easier. Allow enough time for the table you want to buy to arrive and fit in your space. Good
coffee tables become beloved centerpieces that last for years.

Questions and Answers

What Is the Right H8 for a Coffee Table?

Most coffee tables are 16 to 18 inches tall, which is about the same height as a regular sofa cushion. This makes it easy to see what’s on the other side of the room. In modern, minimalist rooms, tables that are 12 to 14 inches low look good. In more traditional rooms, tables that are 20 to 22 inches high look good. When picking the right size table, keep in mind how tall your
couch is and what you like.

How Much Should I Pay for a Nice Coffee Table?

A good coffee table that will last and look good costs between CAD $150 and $600 for most homes. If you need something for a short time or are renting, stores like IKEA and Jysk have cheap options (under CAD $200). West Elm and Article sell investment pieces (CAD $400 or more) that are well-made and classic in style. These are great for people who plan to live in their homes for a long time.

Is It Possible to Make My Coffee Table Look Nice Without Putting Too Much on It?

You can style your coffee table by putting together three to five carefully chosen things, like a candle, a small plant, a decorative book, and a tray to hold things. Clear off surfaces so they can be used and look nice. To keep your display looking new without making it too cluttered, change out your decorations with the seasons. Less-is-more style makes rooms look classy and work well.

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