Ontario Severance

W. v. Desjardins General Insurance

2021 ONCA 672 (CanLII)Court of Appeal for OntarioDecided Wrongful dismissal

W. v Desjardins: Breach of Privacy Claim Struck

Appeal history

Summary

This was an appeal to the Court of Appeal from a motion judge's decision striking various claims. The appellants were an employee who was fired and her friend. The friend had listed the employee as a witness in an insurance tribunal case against the employee's employer, Desjardins, which then fired the employee. The motion judge struck the plaintiffs' claims for breach of privacy, punitive damages, and claims against Desjardins' counsel. The Court of Appeal upheld the motion judge's decision and dismissed the appeal, noting that no breach of privacy occurred because witness lists in a tribunal proceeding are not private, and that any bad faith claims relating to accident benefits had to proceed before the Licence Appeal Tribunal.

Outcome

appeal dismissed

Key Factors

  • intrusion upon seclusion
  • motion to strike
  • duty of care of opposing counsel
  • leave to amend pleadings

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This summary was written by AI from the published decision and its headnote. It is not an official version of the decision; read the full text on CanLII before relying on it. This is legal information, not legal advice. Ontario Severance is an educational tool. If you are facing a serious employment law matter, consult with a qualified employment lawyer in Ontario.