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 […]
Category Archives: Defamation
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. […]
Defamation and Public Discourse
When Does a Lawsuit Become a Tool for Limiting Public Debate? Section 137.1 of the Courts of Justice Act (CJA) grants the ability to bring a motion for the dismissal of any proceeding if that proceeding is aimed at limiting public debate. This step can be taken at any time after a proceeding is commenced and […]
Defamation Hurdles Overcome
The Ontario Court of Appeal (ONCA) in Bondfield Construction Company Limited v. The Globe and Mail Inc. has again had to deal with an appeal from a SLAPP decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (“ONSC”). SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation or Gag Proceedings which can potentially be dismissed under s. […]