Because of the North American Free Trade Agreement and Increasing

question 102

Multiple Choice

Because of the North American Free Trade Agreement and increasing world competition, a provincial government decided to help businesses by providing more information about market conditions, currencies, etc., around the world. It opened small offices throughout the province that provided business information retrieved from the government's database, which was frequently updated. Mr. Hill relied on some information given to him by Alex Chec, an employee of the government. The information was wrong due to Chec's mistake; it was his job to cross-check that information before it was released to the public, but he forgot to do it. Mr. Hill suffered a $15,000 loss because of the error. Which of the following is true?

• A) Mr. Hill cannot take any action because he suffered no physical injury. The case only deals with information.
• B) If Mr. Hill sues the government on the principle of vicarious liability, he cannot also sue the employee at fault.
• C) On these facts, Mr. Hill could sue successfully on the principle of strict liability.
• D) Mr. Hill could not take any action because he had not entered into a contract with the government for this information.
• E) To win in an action against the government, Hill must prove that the government owed him a duty of care, fell below the standard of care owed, and thereby caused him a foreseeable loss.

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Definitions:

Nonstaining

Describing materials or substances that do not leave stains or marks on surfaces they come into contact with.

Nontoxic

Substances or materials that do not pose any risk of poisoning or harm to humans, animals, or the environment.

Compatibility

The extent to which two or more things are able to exist or perform together in combination without conflict or inconsistency.

Late Majority

A segment of consumers that adopt new products or technologies after the average member of society, often cautious and skeptical about innovations.