I don't have a scanner handy, but borrowed this from the Canadian Money Advisory Blog, to which there is a large discussion in this regard.
http://www.canadian-money-advisor.ca...php?PostID=921
HYDE Legal
Barrister and Solicitors
6539A Mississauga,Ontario
L5N 1A6
TEL (905) 821-0767 FAX (905)821-0813
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
Dear Mr. Parent
Re: Zellers Inc. and Parent of Child
Recovery of Civil Damages/Our Case Number ZZZZ ? XXXXXX
We have been retailed by Zellers Inc. (the ?Retailer?) with respect to the allegation that on May 6,2011, a young person in your care or custody, (namely The Child) took unlawful possession of merchandise from the Retailer?s premises located at Zellers Inc, Calgary,AB. The retailer has the legal right to claim damages from the said your person and/or you as a result of such action based on theft, damages and conversion. The Retailer?s right of civil recovery and payments made to the Retailer are separate and distinct from any criminal proceedings which may be instituted by the police.
The retailer also takes the position that it has the right to claim damages from you as a parent or guardian of the young person for failing to provide reasonable supervision of the young person. You have a right to be represented by a lawyer with respect to this claim.
The Retailer is prepared to settle its claim for cival damages in return for a payment of $595.00 (the ?Settlement Amount?), received on or before May 31,2011. If this amount is not paid, I may receive specific instruction, whether or not to arrange for a law firm in your jurisdiction to commence legal proceedings before a civil court for all damages, plus interest, legal expenses, and other administrative costs incurred by the Retailer in connection with this matter. These latter amounts may increase if payment is not made by the noted date. This settlement amount is based on the costs associated with the detection, apprehension, recovery of goods and damages associated with shoplifting, hereafter referred to as Recovery Costs.
Should you choose to settle the Retailer?s payment of the Settlement Amount, payment should be made by cheque or money order, made payable to ?CIVIL RECOVERY? on behalf of the Retailer, with your name and the above case number noted thereon. The payment should be sent in the enclosed postage paid envelope or to the following address: P.O. Box 193, Streetsville, Ontario L5M 2B8.
I have been advised that Canadian retailers estimate shoplifting amounts to an annual expense exceeding $11 million dollars daily. Experience indicates that pursuing shoplifters for such losses reduces the number of shoplifting incidents, resulting in savings which can then be passed on to the consumers. The Hudson?s Bay v. White supports the position that shoplifters, in certain cases, are liable for punitive damages.
Any questions in regard to this matter are to be made in writing, and addressed to the undersigned.
Yours truly,
John-Edward C.Hyde, BA,M.A..LL.B,JD.