Tony Merchant, Regina lawyer known for residential schools settlement, dead at 81

Prominent Regina lawyer and former Saskatchewan MLA Tony Merchant has died.

He was 81.

His son Evatt Merchant expressed gratitude for condolences in a text message to the Leader-Post on Wednesday morning.

CANADA’S KING OF CLASS ACTION

Born in 1944 in Saskatoon, Merchant is perhaps most well known for winning the largest class action lawsuit in Canadian history in 2006, representing former students of residential schools in a $1.9-billion settlement.

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He received the Queen’s Decoration in 1976 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, among other awards and distinctions.

He also served as a Saskatchewan Liberal Party member of the legislative assembly from 1975 to 1978, representing the constituency of Regina—Wascana.

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