Former Canadian Soldiers and Civilians Launch Agent Orange Class-Action Suit

By Ramsay Crooks

Published on July 22, 2005

The group, which is made up of both civilians and former soldiers, say that they and their families have suffered serious side effects because of the spraying, which took place in the woods near Oromocto, New Brunswick during the 1960s.

The claim, which has not been proven in court, seeks punitive and aggravated damages. No figure is mentioned in the court document.

Many of those involved in the lawsuit report suffering from diseases such as cancer and type-2 diabetes. Though Dioxin is known to be highly toxic and is associated with various medical problems, it has not been definitively linked to these illnesses.

The Canadian military has acknowledged that Agent Orange and other chemicals were tested at the base by the U.S. military in 1966 and 1967.

Ottawa has offered compensation to veterans who have suffered medical problems due to Agent Orange exposure. So far, however, it has only made payments to two people.

Comment on this article →