Danielle Sasha Rawlinson

The plaintiff, Contrans Tank Group GP Inc., brought a defamation action against its former employee, Zhuo Chen.

Chen brought an anti-SLAPP motion under section 137.1 of the Courts of Justice Act to dismiss the action, claiming his expressions related to public interest matters (alleged systemic underpayment and discrimination against immigrant drivers).

Contrans attempted to discontinue the action without costs shortly before the motion hearing.

The court found that the notice of discontinuance was ineffective due to the statutory stay imposed by s. 137.1(5) of the Act, which prohibits "any further step in the proceeding" once an anti-SLAPP motion is made.

The court then proceeded to hear the anti-SLAPP motion on its merits, finding that Chen's communications were on a matter of public interest.

Contrans failed to show grounds to believe its defamation claim had substantial merit or that Chen had no valid defence (specifically, truth/justification).

The court also found that Contrans brought the action in bad faith or for an improper purpose, aiming to silence and intimidate the defendant.

The action was dismissed, and Chen was awarded $5,000 in damages and full indemnity costs.

The plaintiff brought a motion for summary judgment in a wrongful dismissal action.

Prior to the motion, the defendant accepted the plaintiff's Rule 49 offer to settle, resolving all issues except costs.

The court issued an endorsement setting a timetable for written costs submissions and remained seized of the matter.

The plaintiff in a wrongful dismissal action requested a case conference to schedule dates for discovery and mediation after the defendant delayed proceedings due to internal HR turnover.

The court established a litigation timetable, ordering examinations for discovery to be completed by January 14, 2022, and mediation by February 4, 2022.