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ARTICLE · 09 MARCH 2015

Teacher Awarded Damages For Defamatory Statements Made Against Her

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In Jacqueline Catherine May v Rebecca Elizabeth Guzzo a teacher was awarded damages for defamatory statements made against her.

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Naveen Hassan
Naveen Hassan
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Summary

In Jacqueline Catherine May v Rebecca Elizabeth Guzzo1. a teacher was awarded damages for defamatory statements made against her. The statements were made by Ms. Guzzo, the defendant, to the principal at the school where Ms. May was a teacher. Ms. Guzzo alleged that Ms. May was involved in criminal activity, including drug use and permitting minors to smoke marijuana at her home. Due to the seriousness of the defamatory remarks, the fact that they were made to the principal of the school, and that Ms. Guzzo refused to retract her remarks, the Court awarded Ms. May $10,000 in general damages.

Facts

Ms. May was a teacher employed by the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. Her son, Mr. Bastarache, was involved in a common law relationship with Ms. Guzzo and had twin boys. Ms. Guzzo and Mr. Bastarache were involved in an acrimonious litigation proceeding for custody of their children.

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