January 5, 2007
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) received a cheque for $768,630.59 just before Christmas as part of the largest class action distribution in Canada.
The funds result from an action brought on behalf of direct purchasers, indirect purchasers and consumers of vitamins and vitamin products. An announcement made Dec. 18 by three law firms said the $132 million settlement approved by the courts of Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec in 2005 pertains to the alleged price-fixing of vitamins. Because there is no way to equitably distribute the settlement to individual consumers or farmers who purchased vitamins between 1986 and 1999, the courts decided it should go to charitable organizations, universities, research or consumer services/protection agencies.
The release said universities with veterinary colleges were selected to receive funds due to their connection to the agriculture sector, a major buyer of vitamins and vitamin products. The money must be used for activities related to vitamin products, including food and nutritional research and education.
WCVM Dean Charles Rhodes said before the funds can be used, the college will study the guidelines that accompanied the payment to be sure the eventual use is appropriate. A procedure for distributing with the funds, as well as a reporting structure, will also have to be set up, he said.
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