The motion to dismiss a lawsuit by a former employee will be heard Thursday, July 4 by a Superior Court Judge in Guelph.
On November 16, 2016, a former City of Guelph Deputy Chief Administrative Officer sued Guelph resident Gerry Barker for defamation. The posts were published in the blog, guelphspeaks.ca.
The lawsuit claimed $500,000 in damages.
The plaintiff announced in November 2016 that the City of Guelph was paying his legal expenses.
The posts were published following the March 2016 release of the 2015 provincial Sunshine List of public employees earning more than $100,000 a year plus taxable benefits.
Details of the defence statement will be revealed at the hearing that involves freedom of speech and the right of public participation in the operations of the City of Guelph’s administration.
The defence is based on the Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation legislation of Ontario, known as SLAPP.
The hearing will be held in the Wellington County Court House located on Woolwich Street starting at 10 a.m.
How nice for the city to pay the legal fees for the plaintiff. Only in Guelph you say? And if the plaintiff loses, will the city pay Barker’s legal fees?
Best of luck !
We’re all with you Gerry!
Personally If I file a lawsuit against another I would be responsible for my own legal fees. Some of these city folk feel they belong to a higher power and the world should bow and kiss their feet. I say forget that crap. Bottom line, we the tax payer pay it all. Pay your own way former city of Guelph Deputy Chief Administrative Officer as we are not your money tree. Go get’em Gerry! Always enjoy reading your posts.
Did you hear about the old SUBOR building?
Let’s hope,since July 4th is the American Independence Day that Gerry gets his independence from this SLAPP situation and justice prevails!
Good luck Jerry, I hope you win, and counter sue
Will be there to cover. Would like to talk if possible!
eliridder@icloud.com
Eli Ridder:Would like to meet you and talk. But must wait until after the court hearing July 4. We can set it up that day during a break or after. I’ll be easily identified.Gerry