Magna responds to $400M lawsuit filed against it on behalf of trafficked Mexican migrants

Aurora auto parts manufacturer, 1 of 3 businesses named in suit, says it's exploring all options to defend against 'incorrect assertions'

Yorkregion.com
April 4, 2023
Jeremy Grimaldi

A $400-million lawsuit against four businesses, two of them large corporations, filed on behalf of a group of Mexican migrants who were illegally trafficked across the GTA and housed in York Region, has received a sharp rebuke from Aurora's Magna International.

At the beginning of March, police announced the shockingly poor living conditions a group of Mexican irregular migrants were forced to withstand as they were trafficked at work places across the GTA.

During a news conference, York Regional Police said 64 Mexicans were illegally brought into the country with promises of well-paying jobs before they were placed in grubby housing in East Gwillimbury and taken across many cities to work places where they were poorly paid and treated.

On March 31, Diamond and Diamond Lawyers announced it is launching a class-action lawsuit on behalf of some of these victims against four businesses, including Magna International and Gwillimdale Farms, alleging the migrants were working at these companies and that the businesses should have known.

"Human trafficking is a reprehensible crime, and we are proud to represent the brave victims in this lawsuit," Sandra Zisckind, a managing partner at the firm, wrote. "Our goal is to ensure that these corporations are held accountable for their actions and that justice is served for the survivors of this horrific crime."

Magna and Gwillimdale, along with the other two businesses, "have been accused of being complicit in human trafficking", she wrote, alleging they either knowingly participated in human trafficking, or chose to "ignore the signs and evidence".

The other two businesses being sued are a resort in Muskoka and another produce company in northern York Region.

In a statement posted on Magna's website, spokesperson Tracy Fuerst wrote that in recent weeks, the company has been "voluntarily supporting" the Canadian Border Services Agency in its investigation into human trafficking and illegal migration.

"As a part of this effort, we have been assured by the CBSA that Magna is not under investigation," the comment adds. "We are currently exploring any and all options to defend against these incorrect assertions, including potential claims against Diamond & Diamond for their irresponsible statements in the media release."

It went onto say the claims are "without merit" and will be contested vigorously.

"In fact, this claim is riddled with multiple factual errors, misidentified parties, and easily identifiable mistakes," it adds.

Gwillimdale Farms did not respond to requests for comment.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.