Anti-SLAPP legislation – Bill 52, known as the Protection of Public Participation Act passed third reading 10/28/15 at Queen’s Park.   This is great news as it protects our democratic right of freedom of speech, and the right to be engaged in issues of public interest.  Until this bill was passed, there was opportunity for proponents with financial resources to intimidate persons wanting to oppose developments.  Specifically proponents could (and often did) launch a lawsuit (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) against community groups and citizens opposing changes to their community or environment.  The fear of such a law suit and the costs to defend against it intimidates people and they do not speak out.

It has taken along time to have this legislation.  I learned about the opportunities to protect those who are speaking out in 2008; and wrote letters encouraging the Government of the day to take action to re-apply anti -SLAPP legislation in Quebec.  In 2013 I put forward a motion which was seconded by Mayor Pellegrini and then passed by Council that we supported efforts of Premier and Attorney-General to enact legislation recommended by the Anti-SLAPP panel in 2010; the intent of the legislation was to prevent future misuse of our courts by those seeking to limit or silence public discussion on matters of public interest.    (For more background go to my e-page “my record” at top of home page; click on “motions” and then scroll to July 8, 2013)

Environmental Defence (ED)  has worked diligently on this file; here is ED write up about Bill 52.