2110120 Ontario Inc. v. Buttar

2023 ONCA 539 (CanLII)Court of Appeal for OntarioDecided Employment standards

Anti-SLAPP: Truck Drivers Wage Dispute

Summary

This is an appeal from a procedural ruling on an anti-SLAPP motion brought by an employer against former truck drivers who alleged unpaid wages and misclassification as independent contractors. The drivers had made public statements and engaged in protests regarding these labour practices, leading to defamation claims by the employer. The Court of Appeal addressed whether these expressions were protected as matters of public interest under the Anti-SLAPP legislation and determined the costs associated with the motion.

Outcome

appeal dismissed

Award

costs awarded for meritless motion and harm caused by appellants’ conduct

Key Factors

  • anti-SLAPP motion
  • unpaid wages
  • independent contractor misclassification
  • defamation
  • public interest

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