PPPA + SLAPP
The Honourable David Eby, Attorney General, has
introduced legislation aimed at enhancing freedom of expression and
public participation, entitled the Protection of Public Participation
Act ("PPPA") into the Legislative Assembly
of British Columbia. In his introduction of the PPPA (Bill-2)
to the BC Legislature, Eby noted that the “...purpose of this
act is to enhance public participation by protecting expression on
matters of public interest and litigation that unduly limits such
expression.”
The PPPA specifically aims to protect individuals from strategic
lawsuits against public participation
("SLAPP"). SLAPPs are lawsuits directed
to shut down public criticism by imposing legal action. These
lawsuits are often initiated to intimidate and silence those who
have criticized the plaintiff with respect to a matter of public
interest. SLAPPs are often used to dissuade private citizens and
interests groups, with limited financial resources,
