Shaunt focuses on defending complex multi-party claims, with special emphasis on class actions, mining and industrial site litigation, large loss construction claims and insurance actions.
- SaskEnergy Incorporated v ADAG Corporation Canada Ltd., 2019 SKQB 263, upheld by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal 2021 SKCA 74, successful representation of SaskEnergy (lessee/purchaser) in a lawsuit over the validity of an option to purchase its head office building arising out of a commercial lease. At issue were matters relating to general and limited partnerships and scope of authority
- Black & McDonald Limited v Graham Design Builders LP, 2019 SKQB 161, representing Black & McDonald in a successful action relating to the construction of a hospital. The dispute involved a $41-million subcontract relating to the mechanical and electrical scope of the project and resulted in an award in favour of Black & McDonald of over $16-million. The decision was among the first reported in the context of Integrated Project Design (IPD) in Canada
- Ituna Investment LP v Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc., 2019 SKQB 75, appeal to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal heard (decision pending), lead counsel for Ituna Investment LP in litigation regarding the proper interpretation of the investment features of a universal life insurance policy, and the proper interpretation and application of insurance regulations
- Veolia Water Technologies, Inc., successor by merger to HPD, LLC v K+S Potash Canada General Partnership, 2019 SKCA 25, leave to appeal to SCC refused, 2019 CanLii 94468, lead counsel for K+S Potash Canada General Partnership (“KSPC”) in successfully opposing an application to enjoin KSPC from drawing on two letters of credit worth US$29.6 million in connection with the design and construction of a potash mine. This is the first recorded Canadian appellate court decision considering the test to be applied when seeking an interim injunction enjoining the beneficiary of a letter of credit from drawing on that letter
- K+S Potash Canada General Partnership v Veolia Water Technologies, Inc., successor by merger to HPD, LLC (21 June 2019) Saskatoon, QBG 278 of 2019 (Sask QB, unreported), lead counsel for K+S Potash Canada General Partnership on an application to set aside an arbitral tribunal award finding the tribunal had jurisdiction over certain claims put before it by Veolia in connection with the design and construction of a potash mine. The Court of King’s Bench concluded that the disputes at issue were beyond the scope of the parties’ arbitration agreement, and ordered that the arbitral award be set aside and the arbitration stayed
- Robin Hood Management Ltd v Gelmich, 2016 SKQB 279, a successful application to strike a civil claim against the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission on the ground that it did not disclose a reasonable cause of action
- Anstead v Saskatchewan Medical Association, 2014 SKQB 406, Saskatchewan Medical Association v Anstead, 2016 SKCA 143, defending the Saskatchewan Medical Association in class action proceedings by a group of physicians based on allegations of a breach of a duty of fair representation and breach of fiduciary duty in negotiations on their behalf with the Ministry of Health
- Whatcott v. Saskatchewan (Human Rights Commission), 2013 SCC 11, Supreme Court of Canada decision dealing with hate speech under Saskatchewan Human Rights legislation
- Ilta Grain Inc v Western Grain Cleaning, 2013 SKQB 5, relating to the application of arbitration provisions to resolve a shareholder dispute
- Fission Energy Corporation, successfully resisting an application under The Crown Minerals Act challenging significant mineral claims granted in Northern Saskatchewan
- Schofield v. City of Saskatoon, QB No. 1074 of 2011 (unreported order dated June 14, 2012), representing the City of Saskatoon in successfully resisting an attempt to certify a class action relating to a dispute over contributions to and benefits from a pension plan spanning a 42-year period
- Bautz v. Advantage Credit Union, 2011 SK QB 215, an action for negligence or breach of contract on a disputed insurance policy
- Crescent Restaurants v. ICR Brokerage Inc. (c.o.b. ICR Ashford Commercial Real Estate), 2010 SK CA 92 (Sask C.A.), an action alleging breach of fiduciary duty in a commercial real estate transaction
- de Balinhard v. Butler Byers Hail Insurance Ltd., 2010 SK PC 13, disputing insurance coverage relating to hail
- Robinson v. Saskatoon (City), 2010 SKQB 98, successfully representing the defendant City in the dismissal of an application for injunctive relief and for an application to certify a proposed class action involving a challenge to the City’s method of administering and issuing taxicab licenses
- Ceapro v. Sask (Government) et al, (2008) 326 Sask R. 7. Dismissal of a $9-million claim against an investment fund following a five-month trial
- 601260 Saskatchewan Inc. v. ING Insurance Company of Canada, 2008 SK QB 470, a dispute over the interpretation of a commercial insurance contract and duty to defend
- Cole v. Prairie Centre Credit Union Ltd., (2007) 305 Sask. R. 82, 2007 SKQB 184, 2007 SKQB 171. Denying certification of a proposed class action involving the loss of confidential information from discarded computers
- Miezianko v. Bjorkdale Lions Club, (2004) SKQB 170, (2007) 304 Sask R 174 (C.A.). Successful defence of personal injury action following civil jury trial and appeal
- Hill v. Arcola School Division, (2002) SKQB 156, successful defence of school division following three week jury trial involving a claim for brain injury from an accident during school activity
- Garrett v. Kumtor Operating Co. and Kilborn Enka, et al. 197 Sask R. 113, significant action relating to accidental helicopter crash in foreign jurisdiction
- Kendal v. St. Paul’s Roman Catholic School Division No. 20, [2004] 249 Sask R. 229. Successful defence of a school division at trial and on appeal relating to injuries to a teacher at school by a student
- B. (D.) v. C. (M.), [2002] TWL QB 02436 and C.A. decision [2002] TWL CA 02137 (Sask C.A.), an action to determine employer liability for deliberate and criminal acts of an employee
- Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology v. Hagblom Construction, an action for recovery of $10 million in damages following a fire at technical college
- Walton v. General Accident Assurance Company of Canada, (2000) 194 D.L.R. (4th) 315, precedent setting case regarding insurable interest
Shaunt was involved in one of the largest civil cases in Canadian history dealing with insurance and mining issues. His insurance defence practice focuses on trial work and large loss claims in industrial accidents (including boiler and machinery), professional liability, education, mining and environmental litigation. He has represented clients at courts on all levels in Canada, having conducted numerous jury and non-jury civil trials, including a five month trial involving the successful defence of a claim by a group of disgruntled investors against an investment fund.
Over the years Shaunt has appeared and presented at numerous loss prevention seminars geared towards various professional disciplines including financial planners, risk managers, architects, engineers and surveyors.
- Member, Defense Research Institute (1995-2019)
- “If You Are Thinking Jury, Don’t Think Too Much,” BarNotes, Canadian Bar Association (Saskatchewan, 2010)
- “Courts Choose ‘Continuous Trigger’ Theory to Determine Timing of Ongoing Damage,” The Lawyers Weekly (June 2007)
- “Discovery: A Practical Guide to Discovery of Documents and Examination For Discovery,” Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (2007)
- “Employers’ Vicarious Liability for Acts of Employees,” Civil Practice Update, Saskatchewan Legal Education Society (Saskatchewan, 2002)
- “Prepare to be Discovered,” Canadian Risk Managers Conference, RIMS (2002)
- Mock Jury Trial Presentation, Canadian Risk Managers Conference, CURIE
- Named Lawyer of the Year, Insurance Law, Best Lawyers in Canada (Saskatoon, 2022; 2024)
- Recognized as One of Canada’s Leading Lawyers, Litigation, Lexpert/ROB Special Edition (2019-present)
- Recognized as One of Canada’s Top Lawyers, General Commercial Litigation, Chambers Canada (2019-present)
- Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America’s Trial Lawyer Honorary Society (2018)
- Named One of Canada’s Litigation Stars, Class Actions, Benchmark Canada’s (2013-present)
- Named One of Canada’s Litigation Stars, Insurance, Benchmark Canada’s (2014-present)
- Recognized as a Top Lawyer, Class Action Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Director and Officer Liability Practice, Insurance Law, Best Lawyers in Canada (2010-present)
- Named Insurance Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers (U.S., 2011)
- Named a Leading Practitioner, Commercial Insurance Litigation, Corporate Commercial Litigation, Professional Liability, Directors and Officer Liability, Canadian Lexpert Legal Directory (2007-present)
- Recognized as BV Peer Review Rated, Lexis-Nexis/Martindale-Hubbell
- CPLED Saskatchewan Volunteer Award (2008)
- Appointed King’s Counsel (2008)