REGINA — Prominent lawyer Tony Merchant, well known for spearheading class-action lawsuits across the country, has died.
His wife, Pana Merchant, says he died Monday at their home in Regina after a battle with cancer.
She says he was 80 but would have turned 81 next week.
Tony Merchant, whom some have called “Canada’s class-action king,” represented former residential school students in a $1.9-billion settlement, the largest in Canadian history.
His firm also launched class-action suits against companies for various other reasons ranging from cellphone fees and lead paint in toys to hip implants.
Merchant’s wife says the family is planning a funeral next week in Regina.
Their son Evatt Merchant says in a message the family is “tremendously proud of his work.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2025.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
