Green Party of Canada has succeeded in its case to reject

OTTAWA -- The Green Party of Canada today received complete vindication in a case alleging defamation brought against the party, the Green Party of Canada Fund and leader Elizabeth May personally by a one-time candidate.   The potential candidate was removed by leader Elizabeth May due to comments the former candidate had made on a blog site years before involvement with the Green Party.  The comments referred to the 9-11 attacks in New York City as involving “shoddily built Jewish world bank headquarters.”  In removing him as a candidate, the party explained that the comments were anti-Semitic and unacceptable to the party.

The Honourable Madam Justice Ross issued her decision today finding for the Green Party and Elizabeth May. The court ruled that, while there was defamation in the use of the term anti-Semitic, it was justified under the circumstances in our favour on qualified privilege and responsible communication. The judge ruled that there was no malice and agreed that the GPC had an obligation to tell the public that it did not condone anti-Semitism.

“It was worth this long and expensive court proceeding to be able to contribute to the on-going struggle against anti-Semitism in Canada,” said Elizabeth May. “You need to stand up for what you believe in and I am proud that the Green Party held firm.”

The case, brought by a former Green Party candidate John Shavluk, was heard before the Supreme Court of British Columbia between January 4-12, 2010.

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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca