Alexander Boissonneau-Lehner

The plaintiffs, a group of nurses and their organization who organized protests against COVID-19 mandates outside hospitals, sued the defendants for defamation over statements and articles criticizing their actions.

The defendants brought an anti-SLAPP motion under s. 137.1 of the Courts of Justice Act to dismiss the action.

The court granted the motion, finding that while the plaintiffs' claim had substantial merit, they failed to show that the harm they suffered outweighed the public interest in protecting the defendants' expressions on matters of public health.

The action was dismissed.

The defendants were successful at trial in defending against the plaintiff's claims of malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, negligence, and nervous shock.

The defendants sought costs of $82,306.68 on a substantial indemnity basis.

The self-represented plaintiff argued that no costs should be payable.

The court found that the defendants' offer to settle and the plaintiff's unreasonable conduct, which needlessly extended the proceedings, justified an enhanced costs award.

The court rejected the plaintiff's argument that his self-represented status or financial circumstances warranted a reduction in costs.

The plaintiff was ordered to pay costs fixed at $75,000 inclusive of disbursements and HST.

The plaintiff brought an action against his former romantic partner and her current partner for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, negligence, and nervous shock following his arrest for forcible confinement.

The arrest stemmed from a domestic incident where the plaintiff refused to return the defendant's keys and engaged in controlling behaviour.

The court dismissed all claims, finding that the defendant had reasonable and probable grounds to contact the police out of concern for her safety, and that she did not initiate the prosecution or act with malice.

The plaintiff's ancillary claims for money and property were also dismissed for lack of evidence.