Regina lawyer Tony Merchant (left) and former Progressive Conservative MLA Colin Thatcher during a court appearance, March 4, 1983, for Thatcher to face criminal charges in connection with a brief disappearance of Thatcher's daughter, Stephanie. The child's mother, JoAnn Wilson, was slain Jan. 21, 1983. Thatcher was later convicted of first-degree murder in Wilson's death. (CP PHOTO)

By Jeremy Simes, Canadian Press

Saskatchewan lawyer

Tony Merchant, prominent Regina lawyer known for class-action lawsuits, dead at 80

Oct 15, 2025 | 2:22 PM

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.

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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.