The respondent filed multiple complaints with the Barreau du Québec regarding the conduct of a lawyer who was harassing her through the courts.
Despite the lawyer's extensive disciplinary record and a finding of incompetence, the Barreau delayed taking action for over a year.
The respondent sued the Barreau for damages.
The Supreme Court of Canada held that the Barreau's gross carelessness and serious negligence in handling the complaints amounted to bad faith, precluding it from relying on the statutory immunity provided by s. 193 of the Professional Code.
The Barreau was found civilly liable and ordered to pay moral damages.
