The Black Action Defence Committee (BADC), in collaboration with the Black Legal Action Centre and the renowned law firm McCarthy Tetrault, is launching a new Class Action Lawsuit to address Toronto Police carding.

Back in 2015, BADC initiated a series of Class Action Lawsuits against police organizations in the Greater Toronto Area, starting with the Toronto Police Services Board and then Police Chief William Blair. The lawsuits were a response to the troubling practice of Carding, which disproportionately affected members of the Black community. Many victims bravely came forward to share their experiences with the police, shedding light on the injustices they had endured.

One significant outcome of this initial lawsuit was that Toronto Police were required to secure all data related to Carding, marking a crucial step towards transparency and accountability. Unfortunately, the lawyer representing BADC in the case was disbarred, resulting in the lawsuit being placed on hold for some time. Changes in legislation made it impossible to reactivate the case, leading to its abandonment.

However, the fight for justice continues. BADC has now joined forces with the Black Legal Action Centre and the legal experts at McCarthy Tetrault to reignite efforts to address the issue of Carding. The new Class Action Lawsuit aims to hold those accountable for their actions.

If you have been a victim of Carding and wish to join this new class action lawsuit, you may contact BADC at torontoblackaction@gmail.com. Please provide essential information, including your name, mailing address, phone number, email, as well as a detailed description of your experience, including the date, time, and location of the incident. Those with compelling cases may have the opportunity to be included as additional plaintiffs in this important legal battle.

The BADC legal team will schedule interviews for depositions, underlining the significance of this case and the need for the community’s support. Your voices and experiences are crucial in our pursuit of justice.

Attached to this article is a flyer promoting this class action lawsuit, which you can share within your networks to reach as many potential Plaintiffs as possible.

As we embark on this new phase of the struggle against carding, we look forward to hearing from you and working together to bring about the change our community deserves. Your participation can make a significant difference in our collective pursuit of justice.