Court of Appeal approves $290M nuisance suit against Freedom Convoy
Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms lawyer James Manson joins The Ezra Levant Show for a look at the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision to give allow a $290 million lawsuit against Freedom Convoy organizers, protesters and donors to proceed.
In late January 2022, the Freedom Convoy rolled into Ottawa as part of a nationwide movement against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and lockdowns. The noisy demonstration saw truckers and their supporters honking horns and making noise in defiance of burdensome restrictions placed on Canadians in the name of public health.
Ottawa residents Zexi Li and Geoffrey Delaney, along with a local union and coffee retailer, then launched a massive class-action lawsuit against the protest organizers, participants and donors, seeking $290 million in damages.
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, which is defending the protesters, challenged the lawsuit in the Ontario Court of Appeal, arguing the court erred when it dismissed an anti-SLAPP motion brought forward by the JCCF.
That motion was dismissed, however, and the matter will now proceed.
On Thursday's episode of The Ezra Levant Show, JCCF lawyer James Mason joined Ezra for a look at what this decision means and what happens next.
“Originally, this was a much smaller lawsuit,” James explained. “That has since ballooned, exploded, into a $290 million Frankenstein, engaging different classes of plaintiffs.”
A quirk to the lawsuit noted by James was that downtown Ottawa residents are now included, “except those who supported the Freedom Convoy.”
However, he was quick to note the Court of Appeal ruling was “a preliminary decision, it is not the final merit,” describing this as “the bottom of the first inning” in the case.
Ezra, recalling Zexi Li's testimony to the Public Order Emergency Commission, branded her a “political activist” and her lawyer, Paul Champ, “a radical lefty.”
Looking ahead to pending legal arguments, James suggested Li and Champ were overstepping their legal authority in the case, arguing that the Attorney General would have been the correct person to bring forward this kind of litigation — which also would likely include an injunction, not a punitive financial punishment.
“They're basically trying to police and enforce what happened,” he said.
“They're trying to do a private prosecution, really,” added Ezra.
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COMMENTS
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Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2025-03-15 19:21:03 -0400The whole objective of this lawsuit is to remind people of the Eleventh Commandment as it applies to government: “Thou shalt not question.”
As for “damages” from the noise, they could have used earplugs, but, I suppose, they would have interfered with their listening to their downloaded music in private. -
Bruce Atchison commented 2025-03-14 20:00:21 -0400We do need a purge of the Supreme Court. Lawfare is the leftist’s favourite tactic when they’re not in charge. Let’s hope people see this and decide to campaign against leftist parties. And I hope Pierre Poilievre has the sense to deal with lawfare.
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Laurie Campbell followed this page 2025-03-14 15:37:27 -0400
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Bill Nicholson commented 2025-03-14 15:19:54 -0400Excuse me, but last I looked Ottawa is Canada’s Capital…that said, anyone living in Ottawa…that’s you Zexi Li(government employee) surprise!…should expect Canadians will come to Ottawa to express their grievances.
Corrupt Government and corrupt Judicial system = “Kabuki Theater” = Kangaroo Court = Banana Republic…resulting in public discourse and contempt
