Judges have power to punish a party who makes bad-faith allegations by ordering them to pay a sizable portion of other side’s legal bill
How many Canadian employees can afford to pay $130,000 in costs to the other side’s lawyer?
That is what an Ontario court recently adjudicated that former Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, who had lost a high-profile defamation lawsuit in December, should pay to help cover the legal fees of the defendant Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier.
While $130,000 may seem steep, it could be deemed as a slap on the wrist in proportion to the financial damages Blair actually faced for his ill-fated action.
Employers and employees alike should take Blair’s case as a lesson learned.
While most employment-related disputes neither engage the public interest nor draw the public eye, both sides frequently level very serious allegations of misconduct against the other that have the potential to severely damage reputations.
Some, of course, are well-founded, and litigants should not shy away from making their best case if there is a serious case of misconduct to be made.
But unscrupulous litigants occasionally concoct such allegations out of thin air, hoping they will pressure the other side to settle or give up, failing to appreciate the potentially massive downside risk of deploying such a strategy.
I know one plaintiff-side employment law firm which seems to put age discrimination into virtually every claim I see. If they are over a certain age, the claim is they were fired in part because they were old. If under, the allegation is that it was because they were young. Seemingly a no-lose strategy except for this: I put into my defences that making such a calumnious allegation of violation of human rights legislation should lead to the court awarding payment of substantial costs against their clients, regardless of the result.
The costs awarded against Blair is illustrative. His troubles began back in 2018 when he was serving as the Interim Commissioner for the OPP. Blair and Ford came to verbal blows after the premier passed him over and appointed Ron Taverner, a friend of Ford’s, to the position of OPP Commissioner.
Blair called for an inquiry by the Ontario ombudsman, then asked the divisional court to compel one, revealing controversial internal and confidential OPP documents in his court filings.
Ford fought back, publicly alleging that Blair violated Ontario’s Police Services Act and breached his oath as an officer by revealing the confidential documents.
Then, Blair was fired, allegedly for the same reason.
In addition to suing for wrongful dismissal, Blair sued Doug Ford personally for $5-million for defamation for comments he made on TV, which Blair argued damaged his reputation.
Ford’s legal team described Blair’s defamation suit as an attempt to “muzzle” the premier “from speaking as the duly elected Premier of Ontario,” arguing that Blair “used and abused” his position to go after Ford for personal gain.
The defence ultimately prevailed. Justice Edward Belobaba agreed that because Premier Ford’s comments related to a matter of public interest, they could not be censored by the courts. Blair’s defamation suit was dismissed in December 2020 under Ontario’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) legislation.
Then came the costs award.
An often forgotten risk of the litigation process, costs awards vindicate the winning party to a lawsuit by ordering the losing party to pay some, or in extraordinary cases if a better offer to settle was made, all of their lawyers’ fees and associated expenses of bringing or defending the lawsuit.
As the losing party to Ford’s anti-SLAPP motion (which carries uniquely severe costs penalties), Blair faced the dire prospect of presumptively being on the hook for Ford’s entire legal bill — which was more than $500,000.
This is a potent reminder that even outside the criminal law context, the courts serve as moral arbiters, doling out justice in the form of financial consequences to deter ill-advised litigation tactics. Courts balk where serious allegations of misconduct — such as Ford and Blair’s allegations against one another — are made maliciously, spuriously, or as a bad-faith litigation tactic, and/or are ultimately found to be untrue or unsupported by any evidence. Because pleadings form part of the public record, frivolous allegations of misconduct have the potential to cause serious reputational harm in the court of public opinion, regardless of whether they are proven.
Accordingly, judges have the power to punish a party who makes such allegations by ordering them to pay a sizable portion of the other side’s legal bill, regardless of whether they are successful in the litigation on the whole. That’s why I put the request for extra costs for just that reason into my statements of defence whenever an employee suing an employer client of mine asks for punitive or other bad-faith damages as a result of alleged employer misconduct.
I have noticed this concerning trend in employment litigation which contain serious allegations, including of fraud, discrimination, and cause for discharge, that are at best, speculative, and at worst, spurious.
These bad-faith fishing expeditions involve far more risks than potential rewards. Make no mistake. Few employee lawyers believe in them and include them only for leverage, so a mediator can work out a settlement with non-taxable general damages. But by doing so, these calumnious allegations will sit there for all time on the public record against the employer. These pleadings are made on behalf of employees who seldom understand the risks being taken on their behalf.
Fortunately for Blair, while his defamation suit shared enough technical features with SLAPP lawsuits to warrant dismissal under the legislation, it was brought in an entirely different spirit from the typical SLAPP-style litigation that draws the ire of judges and legislators alike. Justice Belobaba found that Blair was “not a large and powerful entity that is using litigation to intimidate a smaller and more vulnerable opponent and silence their public expression,” and that he was, rather, “a genuinely aggrieved individual trying to vindicate what he reasonably believes is a bona fide defamation claim.”
Blair’s good faith in bringing his claim accordingly saved him from doling out upwards of $370,000.
Take Blair’s case as a reminder of just how hefty legal bills can become, and heed the court’s message of deterrence when considering making allegations attacking the other side’s character. Before using allegations or cause or discrimination as a pressure tactic, think long and hard about how much you would be willing to pay for that privilege. A figure of $130,000 may sound pretty steep, but if your opponent’s legal bill is anything like Ford’s, it is actually a steep discount — and one you may not be so lucky to be given.
https://financialpost.com/executive/car ... legal-fees
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Ontario's top court hears defamation appeal by ex-OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair against Ford
Blair has alleged premier smeared his reputation for political gain, Ford's lawyers argued fair comment
Ontario's top court heard an appeal Friday over allegedly defamatory comments made by Premier Doug Ford, which lawyers for previous OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair argued were made to deflect criticism from the premier.
The appeal was heard nine months after a lower court dismissed a $5 million lawsuit filed by Blair in 2019 in which he alleged the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by saying Blair had violated the Police Services Act.
"This case is about resolving the question of when it is appropriate to dismiss a defamation lawsuit against the most powerful politician in the province," lawyer Julian Falconer, representing Blair, told the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a long-time friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference. Taverner later withdrew his name from consideration for the position, citing the controversy surrounding his appointment.
Falconer characterized Blair as a "whistleblower," and pointed out that Blair remains out of a job today while Ford remains the premier. He characterized Blair's fight against Ford as one of David versus Goliath, arguing Ford's comments that Blair broke the law would have been considered fact by virtue of his position as premier.
Ford's lawyers maintained the premier's statements on the matter were fair comment.
"A conviction is a fact," said lawyer Gavin Tighe, representing Ford. "An opinion that someone's conduct broke the law is just that — an opinion."
Tighe rejected the characterization of Blair as a "David," saying: "The only thing Mr. Blair has in common with David is that he threw the first rock," having written to the ombudsman.
Both sides have agreed to a dollar figure of $30,000, either for the appeal or the cross-claim of costs.
The court has reserved its decision for a later date.
Last December, Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba found the suit isn't exactly a SLAPP — strategic litigation against public participation — case, which typically refers to powerful entities seeking to silence more vulnerable opponents.
But the judge noted the analysis applies because Ford's comments related to a matter of public interest, and ruled to dismiss the claim.
Blair also filed a $15-million lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ ... -1.6230104
Ontario's top court heard an appeal Friday over allegedly defamatory comments made by Premier Doug Ford, which lawyers for previous OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair argued were made to deflect criticism from the premier.
The appeal was heard nine months after a lower court dismissed a $5 million lawsuit filed by Blair in 2019 in which he alleged the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by saying Blair had violated the Police Services Act.
"This case is about resolving the question of when it is appropriate to dismiss a defamation lawsuit against the most powerful politician in the province," lawyer Julian Falconer, representing Blair, told the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a long-time friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference. Taverner later withdrew his name from consideration for the position, citing the controversy surrounding his appointment.
Falconer characterized Blair as a "whistleblower," and pointed out that Blair remains out of a job today while Ford remains the premier. He characterized Blair's fight against Ford as one of David versus Goliath, arguing Ford's comments that Blair broke the law would have been considered fact by virtue of his position as premier.
Ford's lawyers maintained the premier's statements on the matter were fair comment.
"A conviction is a fact," said lawyer Gavin Tighe, representing Ford. "An opinion that someone's conduct broke the law is just that — an opinion."
Tighe rejected the characterization of Blair as a "David," saying: "The only thing Mr. Blair has in common with David is that he threw the first rock," having written to the ombudsman.
Both sides have agreed to a dollar figure of $30,000, either for the appeal or the cross-claim of costs.
The court has reserved its decision for a later date.
Last December, Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba found the suit isn't exactly a SLAPP — strategic litigation against public participation — case, which typically refers to powerful entities seeking to silence more vulnerable opponents.
But the judge noted the analysis applies because Ford's comments related to a matter of public interest, and ruled to dismiss the claim.
Blair also filed a $15-million lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ ... -1.6230104
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Court hears appeal of former senior OPP officer's defamation dismissal
Ex-OPP deputy commish's libel suit against Premier Doug Ford was dismissed in January
The case heard by a three justice panel at Ontario’s court of appeal Friday alleges Brad Blair was defamed by Premier Doug Ford in comments made after a 2018 letter to the provincial ombudsman asking for an investigation into the appointment of Ron Taverner — a Toronto Police Superintendent and friend of Ford — to the post of commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, alleging political interference.
Blair was fired in 2019 for allegedly breaching his oath by including confidential information in the letter, and Taverner would revoke his interest in the post soon after, citing controversy over his appointment.
Blair has also filed a $15 million wrongful dismissal suit.
Late last year, Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba dismissed the $5 million defamation suit, ruling the Premier’s comments were fair comment.
Blair’s lawyer Julian Falconer described his client as a “whistleblower,” characterizing his appeal as a “David and Goliath” case of a man taking on somebody holding a powerful political office.
“The moving party, the Premier, is arguably the most powerful individual in the province, facing a lawsuit that by the lower court’s own words is not intended to silence or gag public expression,” he said.
Ford’s lawyer Gavin Tighe dismissed Falconer’s arguments, saying the Premier was perfectly entitled to offer comment on the memo.
“There’s a fundamental difference between somebody who makes an allegation, and somebody who states a fact,” he told the court. “An opinion that somebody’s conduct broke the law is just that, it’s an opinion.”
The court reserved its judgement.
https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/ ... -dismissal
The case heard by a three justice panel at Ontario’s court of appeal Friday alleges Brad Blair was defamed by Premier Doug Ford in comments made after a 2018 letter to the provincial ombudsman asking for an investigation into the appointment of Ron Taverner — a Toronto Police Superintendent and friend of Ford — to the post of commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, alleging political interference.
Blair was fired in 2019 for allegedly breaching his oath by including confidential information in the letter, and Taverner would revoke his interest in the post soon after, citing controversy over his appointment.
Blair has also filed a $15 million wrongful dismissal suit.
Late last year, Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba dismissed the $5 million defamation suit, ruling the Premier’s comments were fair comment.
Blair’s lawyer Julian Falconer described his client as a “whistleblower,” characterizing his appeal as a “David and Goliath” case of a man taking on somebody holding a powerful political office.
“The moving party, the Premier, is arguably the most powerful individual in the province, facing a lawsuit that by the lower court’s own words is not intended to silence or gag public expression,” he said.
Ford’s lawyer Gavin Tighe dismissed Falconer’s arguments, saying the Premier was perfectly entitled to offer comment on the memo.
“There’s a fundamental difference between somebody who makes an allegation, and somebody who states a fact,” he told the court. “An opinion that somebody’s conduct broke the law is just that, it’s an opinion.”
The court reserved its judgement.
https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/ ... -dismissal
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Ontario's top court dismisses defamation appeal by ex-OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair against Ford
Blair alleged premier smeared his reputation for political gain, Ford's lawyers argued fair comment
Ontario's top court has dismissed an appeal by former OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair over over allegedly defamatory comments made by Premier Doug Ford, which Blair argued were made to deflect criticism from the premier himself.
The appeal was heard in October, nine months after a lower court dismissed a $5 million lawsuit filed by Blair in 2019 in which he alleged the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by saying Blair had violated the Police Services Act.
"My family and I are disappointed with today's decision. I don't understand how any court could find that I could gag the most powerful person in the province," Blair said in a statement Thursday.
"This decision is a warning to any future whistleblowers —don't bother to stick your head out of the trenches and do the right thing because you will get punished, have your reputation tarnished, and when you try to protect it, you could be subject to half a million dollars in costs."
Blair added he feels anti-SLAPP legislation — which was meant to discourage lawsuits that could make it difficult for people and organizations to speak out on matters of public interest — has effectively been made a tool "to silence any criticism of public officials."
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a long-time friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference. Taverner later withdrew his name from consideration for the position, citing the controversy surrounding his appointment.
His lawyer, Julian Falconer characterized Blair as a "whistleblower," and pointed out that Blair remains out of a job today while Ford remains the premier. He characterized Blair's fight against Ford as one of David versus Goliath, arguing Ford's comments that Blair broke the law would have been considered fact by virtue of his position as premier.
Ford's lawyer 'obviously pleased' with 'complete victory'
Ford's lawyers maintained the premier's statements on the matter were fair comment.
"A conviction is a fact," said lawyer Gavin Tighe in October, representing Ford. "An opinion that someone's conduct broke the law is just that — an opinion."
Tighe rejected the characterization of Blair as a "David," saying: "The only thing Mr. Blair has in common with David is that he threw the first rock," having written to the ombudsman.
In an emailed response to a request for comment from CBC News Thursday, Tighe said he and his client are "obviously pleased at the complete victory in the province's highest court.
"The integrity commissioner, the motion judge and now the Court of Appeal have all found there was no merit in these allegations," Tighe wrote.
Falconer says Blair now faces a $160,000 costs award "for doing the right thing."
He says his team is studying the decision and is exploring a possible appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Last December, Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba found the suit isn't exactly a SLAPP — strategic litigation against public participation — case, which typically refers to powerful entities seeking to silence more vulnerable opponents.
But the judge noted the analysis applies because Ford's comments related to a matter of public interest, and ruled to dismiss the claim.
Blair also filed a $15-million lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ ... -1.6263118
Ontario's top court has dismissed an appeal by former OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair over over allegedly defamatory comments made by Premier Doug Ford, which Blair argued were made to deflect criticism from the premier himself.
The appeal was heard in October, nine months after a lower court dismissed a $5 million lawsuit filed by Blair in 2019 in which he alleged the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by saying Blair had violated the Police Services Act.
"My family and I are disappointed with today's decision. I don't understand how any court could find that I could gag the most powerful person in the province," Blair said in a statement Thursday.
"This decision is a warning to any future whistleblowers —don't bother to stick your head out of the trenches and do the right thing because you will get punished, have your reputation tarnished, and when you try to protect it, you could be subject to half a million dollars in costs."
Blair added he feels anti-SLAPP legislation — which was meant to discourage lawsuits that could make it difficult for people and organizations to speak out on matters of public interest — has effectively been made a tool "to silence any criticism of public officials."
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a long-time friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference. Taverner later withdrew his name from consideration for the position, citing the controversy surrounding his appointment.
His lawyer, Julian Falconer characterized Blair as a "whistleblower," and pointed out that Blair remains out of a job today while Ford remains the premier. He characterized Blair's fight against Ford as one of David versus Goliath, arguing Ford's comments that Blair broke the law would have been considered fact by virtue of his position as premier.
Ford's lawyer 'obviously pleased' with 'complete victory'
Ford's lawyers maintained the premier's statements on the matter were fair comment.
"A conviction is a fact," said lawyer Gavin Tighe in October, representing Ford. "An opinion that someone's conduct broke the law is just that — an opinion."
Tighe rejected the characterization of Blair as a "David," saying: "The only thing Mr. Blair has in common with David is that he threw the first rock," having written to the ombudsman.
In an emailed response to a request for comment from CBC News Thursday, Tighe said he and his client are "obviously pleased at the complete victory in the province's highest court.
"The integrity commissioner, the motion judge and now the Court of Appeal have all found there was no merit in these allegations," Tighe wrote.
Falconer says Blair now faces a $160,000 costs award "for doing the right thing."
He says his team is studying the decision and is exploring a possible appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Last December, Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba found the suit isn't exactly a SLAPP — strategic litigation against public participation — case, which typically refers to powerful entities seeking to silence more vulnerable opponents.
But the judge noted the analysis applies because Ford's comments related to a matter of public interest, and ruled to dismiss the claim.
Blair also filed a $15-million lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ ... -1.6263118
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Michael Jack
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Appeal court upholds dismissal of ex-OPP officer's libel suit against Doug Ford
Former OPP Commissioner Brad Blair has lost a second round in his fight against Doug Ford, with the Ontario Court of Appeal upholding the dismissal of his $5 million libel suit against the Premier.
And not only that, but Blair must now pay Ford’s legal costs of $130,000 all at once rather than in two installments. Plus he’s on the hook for the Premier’s $30,000 legal bill for this loss as well.
At Ontario’s highest court, Blair’s lawyer Julian Falconer had described his client as David to Ford’s Goliath. The three-judge panel didn’t see it that way.
But first, some history.
In 2018, Blair was angry when he was passed over for promotion as OPP commissioner and Ford’s buddy, Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner, was hired instead. The optics were certainly bad: The longtime family friend didn’t initially meet the requirements for the post but the job qualifications were lowered just before he was chosen.
How convenient.
Blair went nuclear and on Dec. 11, 2018, sent a scathing nine-page letter on official police letterhead to the provincial Ombudsman alleging improprieties in the selection process and requesting an independent review. He also released a copy to the public.
According to a Ministry of the Attorney General briefing note prepared for the Premier, under the Police Services Act (PSA) Code of Conduct, officers are not allowed to communicate with the media without proper authority and can’t disclose confidential information.
When reporters asked Ford about the letter, he suggested on three occasions that Blair had breached the PSA.
“It’s unfortunate that one person has sour grapes, and it is very disappointing actually, and reacting the way he’s been reacting and breaking the Police Act numerous times,” Ford told reporters on Jan. 14, 2019. “Someone needs to hold him accountable I can assure you of that.”
Blair was eventually fired from the OPP for allegedly revealing confidential OPP information, including details regarding the Premier’s security detail. In a separate action, he’s suing Ford and others for $15 million for what he called his politically-motivated dismissal.
After the controversy, Taverner withdrew his name from consideration and Thomas Carrique was appointed commissioner instead.
Blair sued Ford, alleging the Premier smeared his reputation by saying he’d broken the law. Ford’s lawyers argued the Premier’s statements were fair comment and asked the court to dismiss the action under anti-SLAPP (strategic litigation against public participation) legislation, which was typically designed to protect smaller and more vulnerable opponents who speak out against powerful entities.
Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba agreed and threw out the lawsuit. He agreed this wasn’t your classic SLAPP case, as Blair was “ not a large and powerful entity that is using litigation to intimidate a smaller and more vulnerable opponent and silence their public expression, ” and was, rather, “ a genuinely aggrieved individual trying to vindicate what he reasonably believes is a bona fide defamation claim. ”
But the judge found SLAPP still applies because Ford’s comments on the letter were a matter of public interest and “the public interest in protecting Ford’s expression outweighed the public interest in allowing the action to continue.”
As the winner, Ford wanted Blair to cover his legal costs of $578,194.86. Belobaba reduced that to $130,000 and allowed Blair to pay half at once and the other half at the conclusion of his wrongful dismissal suit.
Ford appealed and wanted his half a million in legal fees — talk about sour grapes. Ontario’s highest court stood by Belobaba’s ruling of $130,000 but said he was wrong in dividing it in two.
You’ve got to feel for Blair. The self-described “David” has another round yet to go — his $15 million wrongful termination suit — but it doesn’t look like he has enough rocks to win that one, either.
https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/ ... -doug-ford
And not only that, but Blair must now pay Ford’s legal costs of $130,000 all at once rather than in two installments. Plus he’s on the hook for the Premier’s $30,000 legal bill for this loss as well.
At Ontario’s highest court, Blair’s lawyer Julian Falconer had described his client as David to Ford’s Goliath. The three-judge panel didn’t see it that way.
But first, some history.
In 2018, Blair was angry when he was passed over for promotion as OPP commissioner and Ford’s buddy, Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner, was hired instead. The optics were certainly bad: The longtime family friend didn’t initially meet the requirements for the post but the job qualifications were lowered just before he was chosen.
How convenient.
Blair went nuclear and on Dec. 11, 2018, sent a scathing nine-page letter on official police letterhead to the provincial Ombudsman alleging improprieties in the selection process and requesting an independent review. He also released a copy to the public.
According to a Ministry of the Attorney General briefing note prepared for the Premier, under the Police Services Act (PSA) Code of Conduct, officers are not allowed to communicate with the media without proper authority and can’t disclose confidential information.
When reporters asked Ford about the letter, he suggested on three occasions that Blair had breached the PSA.
“It’s unfortunate that one person has sour grapes, and it is very disappointing actually, and reacting the way he’s been reacting and breaking the Police Act numerous times,” Ford told reporters on Jan. 14, 2019. “Someone needs to hold him accountable I can assure you of that.”
Blair was eventually fired from the OPP for allegedly revealing confidential OPP information, including details regarding the Premier’s security detail. In a separate action, he’s suing Ford and others for $15 million for what he called his politically-motivated dismissal.
After the controversy, Taverner withdrew his name from consideration and Thomas Carrique was appointed commissioner instead.
Blair sued Ford, alleging the Premier smeared his reputation by saying he’d broken the law. Ford’s lawyers argued the Premier’s statements were fair comment and asked the court to dismiss the action under anti-SLAPP (strategic litigation against public participation) legislation, which was typically designed to protect smaller and more vulnerable opponents who speak out against powerful entities.
Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba agreed and threw out the lawsuit. He agreed this wasn’t your classic SLAPP case, as Blair was “ not a large and powerful entity that is using litigation to intimidate a smaller and more vulnerable opponent and silence their public expression, ” and was, rather, “ a genuinely aggrieved individual trying to vindicate what he reasonably believes is a bona fide defamation claim. ”
But the judge found SLAPP still applies because Ford’s comments on the letter were a matter of public interest and “the public interest in protecting Ford’s expression outweighed the public interest in allowing the action to continue.”
As the winner, Ford wanted Blair to cover his legal costs of $578,194.86. Belobaba reduced that to $130,000 and allowed Blair to pay half at once and the other half at the conclusion of his wrongful dismissal suit.
Ford appealed and wanted his half a million in legal fees — talk about sour grapes. Ontario’s highest court stood by Belobaba’s ruling of $130,000 but said he was wrong in dividing it in two.
You’ve got to feel for Blair. The self-described “David” has another round yet to go — his $15 million wrongful termination suit — but it doesn’t look like he has enough rocks to win that one, either.
https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/ ... -doug-ford
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Top court won't hear ex-OPP deputy commissioner's appeal over lawsuit against Ford
OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from a former high-ranking Ontario Provincial Police officer over his bid to sue Premier Doug Ford for defamation.
Former OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair launched a $5-million suit in 2019, alleging the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by suggesting the officer had violated the Police Services Act.
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a longtime friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference.
At the time, Blair served as interim commissioner and had been in the running for the permanent position.
Ford’s lawyers argued the premier’s statements on the matter were fair comment, and an Ontario Superior Court judge dismissed the claim — a decision upheld by the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Ultimately, Thomas Carrique, then the deputy chief for York Regional Police, was appointed OPP commissioner.
As usual, the Supreme Court gave no reasons for declining to hear Blair’s appeal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2022.
https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/c ... ainst-ford
Former OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair launched a $5-million suit in 2019, alleging the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by suggesting the officer had violated the Police Services Act.
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a longtime friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference.
At the time, Blair served as interim commissioner and had been in the running for the permanent position.
Ford’s lawyers argued the premier’s statements on the matter were fair comment, and an Ontario Superior Court judge dismissed the claim — a decision upheld by the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Ultimately, Thomas Carrique, then the deputy chief for York Regional Police, was appointed OPP commissioner.
As usual, the Supreme Court gave no reasons for declining to hear Blair’s appeal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2022.
https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/c ... ainst-ford
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Michael Jack
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Supreme Court won't hear ex-OPP deputy commissioner's appeal over lawsuit against Doug Ford
Brad Blair launched a $5 million suit in 2019 alleging Ford smeared his reputation for political gain
The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from a former high-ranking Ontario Provincial Police officer over his bid to sue Premier Doug Ford for defamation.
Former OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair launched a $5-million suit in 2019, alleging the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by suggesting the officer had violated the Police Services Act.
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a longtime friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference.
At the time, Blair served as interim commissioner and had been in the running for the permanent position.
Ford's lawyers argued the premier's statements on the matter were fair comment, and an Ontario Superior Court judge dismissed the claim — a decision upheld by the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Ultimately, Thomas Carrique, then the deputy chief for York Regional Police, was appointed OPP commissioner.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ ... -1.6459085
The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from a former high-ranking Ontario Provincial Police officer over his bid to sue Premier Doug Ford for defamation.
Former OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair launched a $5-million suit in 2019, alleging the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by suggesting the officer had violated the Police Services Act.
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a longtime friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference.
At the time, Blair served as interim commissioner and had been in the running for the permanent position.
Ford's lawyers argued the premier's statements on the matter were fair comment, and an Ontario Superior Court judge dismissed the claim — a decision upheld by the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Ultimately, Thomas Carrique, then the deputy chief for York Regional Police, was appointed OPP commissioner.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ ... -1.6459085
Michael Jack, Administrator
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Michael Jack
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Top court won't hear ex-OPP deputy commissioner's appeal over lawsuit against Ford
OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from a former high-ranking Ontario Provincial Police officer over his bid to sue Premier Doug Ford for defamation.
Former OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair launched a $5-million suit in 2019, alleging the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by suggesting the officer had violated the Police Services Act.
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a longtime friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference.
At the time, Blair served as interim commissioner and had been in the running for the permanent position.
Ford’s lawyers argued the premier’s statements on the matter were fair comment, and an Ontario Superior Court judge dismissed the claim — a decision upheld by the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Ultimately, Thomas Carrique, then the deputy chief for York Regional Police, was appointed OPP commissioner.
As usual, the Supreme Court gave no reasons for declining to hear Blair’s appeal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2022.
https://www.thestar.com/politics/2022/0 ... -ford.html
https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/national- ... rd-5386198
https://www.coastreporter.net/national- ... rd-5386198
https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2022/05/19/t ... inst-ford/
https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/ ... ainst-ford
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/national- ... rd-5386198
https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ts/ ... -ford.html
Former OPP deputy commissioner Brad Blair launched a $5-million suit in 2019, alleging the premier smeared his reputation for political gain by suggesting the officer had violated the Police Services Act.
Blair had asked the courts to force the provincial ombudsman to investigate the appointment of Ron Taverner, a longtime friend of the premier, as OPP commissioner, raising concerns about political interference.
At the time, Blair served as interim commissioner and had been in the running for the permanent position.
Ford’s lawyers argued the premier’s statements on the matter were fair comment, and an Ontario Superior Court judge dismissed the claim — a decision upheld by the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Ultimately, Thomas Carrique, then the deputy chief for York Regional Police, was appointed OPP commissioner.
As usual, the Supreme Court gave no reasons for declining to hear Blair’s appeal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2022.
https://www.thestar.com/politics/2022/0 ... -ford.html
https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/national- ... rd-5386198
https://www.coastreporter.net/national- ... rd-5386198
https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2022/05/19/t ... inst-ford/
https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/ ... ainst-ford
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/national- ... rd-5386198
https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ts/ ... -ford.html
Michael Jack, Administrator