The defendant broadcaster brought a motion for summary judgment to dismiss the plaintiffs' defamation action arising from a satirical television program broadcast in Pakistan and rebroadcast online.
The program allegedly accused the plaintiffs of engaging in immigration fraud related to a Canada-Pakistan Trade Fair, which the plaintiffs claim caused artists' visas to be denied and forced the cancellation of a concert.
The court dismissed the motion, finding genuine issues for trial regarding whether the broadcast was defamatory, whether the action was barred by the Libel and Slander Act given the technical nature of the internet broadcasts, and whether the broadcast caused the alleged damages.
The court also declined to dismiss the action for delay.
