1688782 Ontario Inc. v. Maple Leaf Foods Inc.: Implications for Product Liability and Franchise Law

On November 5, 2020, the Supreme Court released its long-anticipated decision in 1688782 Ontario Inc. v. Maple Leaf Foods Inc. In a split decision, the majority held that a manufacturer does not owe a duty of care to franchisees of a supply chain purchaser for economic losses arising from a product recall, even where the franchisees’ losses were reasonably foreseeable.

The webinar will be presented by Craig Lockwood (a product liability practitioner, and a partner in Osler’s litigation group) and Christine Jackson (an associate in Osler’s franchise and distribution group). The discussion will be moderated by Lindsay Rauccio (an associate in Osler’s litigation group). The webinar will summarize the Supreme Court’s decision as it pertains to the duty of care in tort law, and will provide key insights on the decision’s product liability and franchise law implications.

Topics include:

• The background and procedural history of the case

• An overview of the majority and dissenting judgments

• Practical considerations in the product liability context

• Implications in the franchise law context

• Question & answer period