1486151 Ontario Limited (Diverse Transportation) v. Chen

2025 ONCA 786 (CanLII)Court of Appeal for OntarioDecided

Anti-SLAPP: Employment Dispute vs Public Interest

Summary

This is an appeal from a motion judge's decision on an anti-SLAPP motion brought by a former employee against a former employer. The central issue is whether the former employee's communications, which included allegations of unpaid wages and threats to contact clients, constituted a matter of public interest or merely an employment dispute. The Court of Appeal reviewed the application of the anti-SLAPP framework under s. 137.1 of the Courts of Justice Act, specifically the balancing test between public interest in expression and the harm to reputation.

Outcome

appeal dismissed

Award

costs order of $50,000 upheld

Key Factors

  • anti-SLAPP motion
  • public interest
  • employment dispute
  • defamation
  • costs

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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.