It will be wonderful if something is done to stop these iniquitous SLAPP suits in Canada. Hopefully other provinces will deal with this type of lawsuit. The potential Quebec legislation is a good step in the right direction, although no doubt it will be opposed by some wealthy interest groups.

For those who are unfamiliar with this type of lawsuit, which has the aim of shutting people or groups up, here are two URLs with interesting information. The first one gives an introduction to the subject, the second one deals with some BC examples, where big corporations have attempted to shut critics up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_lawsuit_against_public_participation

http://forests.org/archive/canada/slapps.htm

The fear of being sued will inevitably shut people up- the term used in the States is "libel chill." This of course effectively removes people's rights to free speech and gives corporations the right to call all the shots, even when they are wrong.

Many US states have laws to protect citizens against this type of lawsuit. Canada lags behind. In fact, Canada has been considered a great place to institute legal action for a SLAPP suit. Many out-of-country lawsuits end up in our Canadian courts, due to the practice of forum shopping. You sue where the results are likely to be in your favour.

At least some judges and lawyers here in Canada must be quite familiar with this type of suit, so why then are they still permitted? They are enormously costly to the weaker party financially, especially as there is no funding to help defendants in civil lawsuits. This type of suit often drags on for years. The money for lawyers comes right from the defendant's pocket. Corporate money is often used to fund the person or group who launches the SLAPP suit. No individual suffers and the corporation's work goes on as usual. This is a contrast to the defendant who has to spend lots of money and emotional effort to keep going. However a lot of people are making a lot of money by allowing this type of lawsuit, so I guess they will continue in the absence of any legislation.

Hopefully other provinces will take action- the sooner the better. SLAPPs should be banned across the nation.

Jean