When investigating an ICBC injury claim, ICBC will often attempt to interview and speak to various witnesses who may have information about the injured claimant and his/her claim. Part of this investigation often includes contacting the injured claimant’s friends, family, co-workers and employers. If the witnesses do not voluntarily agree to speak to ICBC or…
Lawsuits brought for an improper purpose to silence expression and financially punish critics are known strategic lawsuits against public participation (also referred to as SLAPP). The Protection of Public Participation Act (“PPPA”) came into force in British Columbia recently. The PPPA is BC’s anti-SLAPP legislation. Its purpose is to enhance public participation on important public issues.…
The Protection of Public Participation Act (“PPPA”) came into force in early 2019 in British Columbia which serves to enhance public participation in speaking out on important public issues. The Act protects the public from being sued in defamation for expressing their views on matters of public interest. These defamation lawsuits are known as strategic…
Lawsuits brought for an improper purpose to silence expression and financially punish critics are known strategic lawsuits against public participation (also referred to as SLAPP). The Protection of Public Participation Act (“PPPA”) came into force in British Columbia earlier this year. The PPPA is our province’s anti-SLAPP legislation. Its purpose is to enhance public participation…
The Protection of Public Participation Act (“PPPA”) came into force in British Columbia earlier this year. The PPPA is of utmost importance. It protects British Columbians from being sued for expressing their views on matters of public interest. This new law safeguards people from strategic lawsuits against public participation (known as SLAPPs) which aim to…
This case is the first reported use of the Protection of Public Participation Act in BC( Galloway v. A.B., 2019 BCSC 1417 ). However, instead of dismissing the defamation lawsuit, or the application, the court ordered extensive disclosure and production. The plaintiff sued for defamation alleging false allegations of rape, sexual assaults and physical assaults…
Aggravated damages compensate a claimant for intangible injuries, such as distress and humiliation, which are caused by a defendant’s conduct. The appellants were found to have defamed the plaintiff and the judge awarded damages of $1,205,000 and special costs, and granted a permanent injunction against the appellants, restraining publication of any defamatory words concerning the Plaintiff. All…
Ungrateful children can sometimes cross the line with parents but in this case posting untrue accusations of pedophilia cost this child $135,000 (Z. v. Z., 2016 BCSC 1730). False allegations regarding sexual misconduct with a minor are among the most serious and egregious allegations that one person can make against another, said the Supreme Court. The…