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ARTICLE · 09 JUNE 2023

Alberta Recognizes New Tort Of Harassment!

Bow River Law
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Alberta Health Services v Johnston, 2023 ABKB 209 (Feasby) is a case of some notoriety in Alberta.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Joel Fairbrother
Joel Fairbrother
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Alberta Health Services v Johnston, 2023 ABKB 209 (Feasby) is a case of some notoriety in Alberta. The court in this case found that the Defendant Kevin J. Johnston was liable in very substantial damages to AHS employee Sarah Nunn for defamation and harassment.

This case is very important in Alberta, because it is the first Alberta case to clearly recognize the tort of harassment.

The facts of this case are not related to employment law, but the case is sure to be used in an employment law case because harassment allegations are common in employment.

Facts

The following are the pertinent facts summarized by the Alberta Court of King's Bench:

  • The defendant Kevin Johnston had run for mayor in Calgary

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