Appellate Court Confirms Employer not Liable for Defamation for a Negative Reference Where the Reference is True

The Divisional Court has affirmed that an employer is not liable for defamation where a candid and truthful reference about a former employee has been provided. In Papp v Stokes et al, the plaintiff had sued his former employer (Stokes Economic Consulting) and its President (Ernest Stokes) for defamation, wrongful dismissal, punitive, exemplary and aggravated…

FTR Quarterly – Issue 6

In This Issue Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Best Practices for Employers and Service Providers FTRQ&A – Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act Quick Hit – Changing Workplaces Review: A Bill 148 Timeline The Dos & Don’ts of Employment Reference Letters: Best Practices for Employers Featured Lawyer – Simon Mortimer Featured Group – Pay Equity Featured Articles…

The Truth Hurts: Employer Not Liable In Defamation For Bad Reference Because It Was True

The Ontario Superior Court has affirmed that employers are not liable for defamation when they provide candid and truthful references about former employees. In Papp v Stokes et al, 2017 ONSC 2357, the plaintiff, Adam Papp, worked as an economist for Stokes Economic Consulting for 2.5 years when his employment was terminated without cause in…