In today’s digital age, where information spreads like wildfire, safeguarding one’s reputation has never been more important. Individuals now have the power to make defamatory statements about someone by simply typing a few words and hitting “send” or “post.” As a result, defamation claims are a common cause of action, as false statements about a […]
Category Archives: Defamation
Failure to Disclose Settlement Agreement to Other Defendants Constitutes Abuse of Process
Parties to litigation have ongoing disclosure obligations, including a plaintiff’s responsibility to disclose a settlement agreement to other non-settling defendants immediately. This is particularly important as a settlement agreement can drastically change litigation dynamics, particularly concerning the relationship between the plaintiff and the settling defendant and the conduct of the settling defendant throughout the remainder […]
Online Employer Reviews not a Matter of Public Interest
We have previously written about defamation cases involving individuals who had posted their opinions of various businesses and were subsequently sued for defamation, only to have the defendant seek a dismissal on the basis of issues pertaining to the public interest. In Zoutman v. Graham, for example, the owner of a medical clinic brought a […]
Be Careful What You Tweet: Court Dismisses Defamation Cases as Anti-SLAPP
In September of last year, we wrote about a situation that had been making headlines, in which the owner of a medical diagnostic clinic in Guelph had filed a $6 million defamation claim against a local married couple, SEB and KEB. The claim arose out of the fact that SEB had shared tweets made by […]
Ontario Nurses Disciplined for Covid Comments Launch Libel Suit
As a professional, being the subject of an investigation or disciplinary hearing is not something anyone wants to endure. The potential consequences of a finding of negligence, professional misconduct, or other wrongs can be significant and can include fines, practice limitations or restrictions, suspension or revocation of professional licenses, and even criminal charges. Findings of […]
When Cancel Culture Invites Damages for Defamation
Earlier this year, we wrote about a pending case in Guelph, Ontario, in which a medical imaging clinic brought a $6 million claim for defamation against a couple stemming from negative social media posts. In that case, which has yet to be heard, one-half of the defendant couple had posted online about allegedly homophobic comments […]
Guelph Clinic Sues Couple for $6 Million Over Social Media Posts
People are entitled to express their opinions online, however, when those posts are untrue and have the potential to negatively impact another person or business, the poster may end up being found liable for defamation. We previously wrote about an Ontario court decision in which a man was ordered to pay $50,000 to a doctor […]
Ontario Court Introduces Tort of Internet Harassment
The internet has opened up new avenues for communication over the past twenty-five years, allowing for unfettered access to information and ease of communication. However, it has also created new means for negative interactions, including harassment, which, given the platform, can make it relentless and difficult to escape. While Ontario law has long addressed various […]
A Bad Rating for an Ontario Doctor Results in Defamation Finding
Professionals work hard to build their reputations and often rely in large part on word of mouth to grow their clientele. Understandably, many have concerns about negative or dishonest reviews made about them online. These ratings and reviews are often anonymous and take just a few moments to create, yet they can have a lasting […]
Law Commission of Ontario Recommends Defamation Reform
Defamation is a statement made to a third party that is false and damaging to the reputation, finances, or well-being of an individual or organization. Defamation can occur in writing (libel) or orally (slander). When a person is the subject of defamatory statements, it can have a dramatic impact on their career, finances and reputation. […]