Justice Metivier of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice today released her decision in the case of Ian Verner MacDonald v. CBC and Warren Kinsella; Stockwoods lawyers Scott Hutchison and Brennagh Smithrepresented both defendants. The case alleged, among other things, that Kinsella had defamed MacDonald during an appearance on a call-in show, in which Kinsella identified MacDonald among persons who had provided rhetorical and material support to the Ku Klux Klan. Further, he stated that MacDonald had provided connections between the Libyan government and KKK leaders.
In her decision, Justice Metivier found in favour of the Stockwoods’ clients on every significant issue, holding that the action was statute barred, and in any event, that Kinsella’s statements did not support the defamatory meaning alleged. She further found that the statements made by Kinsella were true and/or fair comment. She went on to find that even if the comments were defamatory, MacDonald’s reputation had not suffered harm in any case, as he was already reputed to hold anti-Semitic views and associations, and to be an admirer of the KKK. To read the decision, click here.
