November 21, 2023
Muzik v Canadian Broadcasting Corporation et al 2023 MBCA 95

A defamation claim was commenced by a former financial advisor who had been the subject of many complaints brought before regulatory bodies. The trial judge found CBC liable in defamation and awarded damages in the amount of $1.7 million.

In its decision overturning the lower court judgment, the MBCA found that CBC was entitled to rely upon the responsible communication defence. In the event that the Court is found to be incorrect on liability, the Court also lowered the damages assessment to $100,000.

This decision affirms the principles underlying the responsible communication defence.