First distribution cheques should be in the mail by Dec. 23.
As RicePoint was getting ready to send out the first distribution, questions arose whether certain taxes and premiums beyond income tax, EI and CPP are required to be paid. Under the settlement, RicePoint is responsible for paying all required employee and employer-side taxes. Obtaining a definitive answer to those questions will require confirming with the appropriate government authorities in each province how settlement funds arising out of an employment case are to be treated. As we do not want to delay the first distribution any further, we have decided to hold back funds based on a ‘worst-case’ answer from the government authorities and send out the rest of the first distribution cheques. Once we hear back from the appropriate government authorities, then any funds not required to be remitted to them will be distributed to class members in the second distribution.
We apologize for the delay.