Vancouver/Chilliwack (with files from CELL — the Pacific Centre for Environmental Law and Litigation) – NOVEMBER 27 UPDATE – The defamation case against Glen Hansman, former President of the BCTF, by Chilliwack School Trustee Barry Neufeld , will not go through.
The use of the anti-SLAPP legislation is the main root for the decision. The original comments in October 2017 by Hansman to Neufeld in Social media were Neufeld’s comments to Facebook in October 2017 (about SOGI 123 , stated he “could no longer sit on his hands” (at Chilliwack School Board meetings) and watch schools teach “the latest fad” that has turned into a “weapon of propaganda” for gender theories.
Hansman shot back saying Neufeld’s comments were “bigoted” and that he had “breached his duty as a school trustee,” and thus should resign or be removed.
In October 2018, Neufeld filed a defamation lawsuit against Hansman.
The ex- BCTF President claimed that recently-introduced anti-SLAPP legislation was in play here and that this case should never have gone to court. (The anti-SLAPP legislation was introduced by Attorney General David Eby. It is called the Protection of Public Participation Act, 2019. The law will allow B.C. courts greater power to dismiss lawsuits that are brought with the intention of shutting down free expression in matters of public interest).
It was then up to a judge to determine if this case was to proceed. This will not go to trial. Hansman was allowed to make ” a fair comment”.
JULY 13 ORIGINAL STORY – The war of words between Chilliwack School Trustee Barry Neufeld and the former President of the BCTF (BC Teachers Federation) Glen Hansman, went to Supreme Court in Vancouver last week.
So far, nothing has been settled and the case adjourned until August 6, after a two day hearing.
In a nut shell, Neufeld is upset with Hansman’s comments when trustee Neufeld criticized SOGI 123. SOGI 123 is the all inclusive school policy that is supposed to protect the rights of LGBTQ2 students.
This started with Neufeld’s comments to Facebook in October 2017 , stating he “could no longer sit on his hands” (at Chilliwack School Board meetings) and watch schools teach “the latest fad” that has turned into a “weapon of propaganda” for gender theories.
Hansman shot back saying Neufeld’s comments were “bigoted” and that he had “breached his duty as a school trustee,” and thus should resign or be removed.
In October 2018, Neufeld filed a defamation lawsuit against Hansman.
The ex- BCTF President claims that recently-introduced anti-SLAPP legislation is in play here and that this case should never have gone to court. (The anti-SLAPP legislation was introduced by Attorney General David Eby. It is called the Protection of Public Participation Act, 2019. The law will allow B.C. courts greater power to dismiss lawsuits that are brought with the intention of shutting down free expression in matters of public interest).
Hansman also stating that both men are public figures and that this is no different than any other politicians airing their differences in a public forum. So, is this a war of words or does this go further and damage someone’s reputation beyond repair.
The judge will eventually decide.
Surprisingly (or not), this case is receiving little Vancouver media attention.
