In a decision that will no doubt have significant ramifications for businesses, governments, and the litigation bar across Canada, Associate Chief Justice Rooke of the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench has addressed a vexatious group of litigants who have plagued the Canadian legal system for over a decade. The Court has named this troubling group the Organized Pseudolegal Commercial Argument litigants, or OPCA litigants for short. To some, OPCA litigants may be better known by various labels such as Detaxers, Freemen-on-the-Land, Sovereign Citizens, and many others. They are known for refusing to recognize bills, debts, tax assessments, or any legal obligations for that matter. Although their arguments have been universally dismissed when presented in Court, OPCA litigants have never been effectively recognized as a defined or collective group warranting a coordinated response. Justice Rooke's decision does exactly that. It provides a universal go-to authority to assist in the effective dismissal of OPCA claims at an early stage in the proceedings and will be instructive reading for judges, lawyers, and business persons across the country. Read the whole article by Artem Barsukov and William Hembroff.
Blog
Alberta Court Skewers Gibberish Legal Arguments
November 29, 2012
Republication Requests
To obtain permission to republish this publication or any other publication, contact Erica Wirthlin at wirthline@bennettjones.com.
For Informational Purposes Only
This publication provides an overview of trends and legal updates for informational purposes only. For personalized legal advice, please contact the authors.
From the Same Authors
See AllBlog
Alberta Court of Appeal Provides Antidote to Consternation on Scope of Arbitration Clauses
April 6, 2026Artem N. Barsukov FCIArb, Edward W. Hulshof & Paige Lutz
Blog
Clear and Explicit Contractual Language Required to Impose Arbitration on Third-Party Beneficiaries
December 20, 2024 & 3 more
Blog
Ontario Court of Appeal Strikes Important Balance in Applying Exceptions to the Kompetenz-Kompetenz Principle
November 7, 2024Artem N. Barsukov FCIArb & Jonas Patron
Latest Insights
See All Insights See AllBlog
Notice Concerning the Quota for Imports of Chinese Electric Vehicles
September 1, 2026Michael C. Smith & George W. H. Reid
Blog
RSU Forfeiture Revisited: Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Important Guidance for Employers
August 28, 2026Carl Cunningham, David Cassin & Julia Horowitz






















