WRDSB appeals defamation lawsuit by former teacher
An appeals court is taking another look at a former teacher’s defamation lawsuit against the Waterloo Region District School Board and Scott Piatkowski.
The case stems from a presentation made at a board meeting by Carolyn Burjoski. On Jan. 17, 2022, she expressed her concern about some of the books in elementary school libraries, specifically those with references to gender expression and sexuality.
Piatkowski, who was board chair at the time, interrupted the presentation over concerns Burjoski’s comments could violate the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Burjoski then turned to the courts in a bid to finish her presentation, arguing the school board violated her right to freedom of expression. A panel of three judges dismissed her case and said she would have to pay $5,000 if the school board requested compensation. Burjoski appealed that ruling but it was dismissed in March 2024.
Lawsuit appeal
Burjoski also launched a $1.75 million lawsuit against the school board and Piatkowski, alleging defamation, libel and slander.
The school board initially asked the courts to dismiss the case. A judge rejected that request and ordered the school board to pay $30,000 for Burjoski’s legal fees.
The WRDSB then appealed the ruling.
On Wednesday, a three-person panel heard arguments from both the school board and Burjoski’s lawyers.
They will now review the appeal and deliver their decision at a later date.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian drink company tastes controversy after Simu Liu raises cultural appropriation questions
Controversy bubbled for a Canadian drink company after its founders drew the ire of a Marvel superhero on an episode of a “Shark Tank”-style reality series.
China sends 125 military aircraft in exercises aimed at Taiwan in single-day record, Taiwan says
China employed 125 military aircraft in exercises aimed at Taiwan on Monday, a record for a single day, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said.
Canadian comedian, talk show host Mike Bullard dead at 67
Canadian stand-up comedian and former talk show host Mike Bullard has died.
Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, study finds
The 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, Spanish scientists said on Saturday, after using DNA analysis to tackle a centuries-old mystery.
Woman killed by malfunctioning ottoman bed
A 39-year-old British woman was killed when a malfunctioning ottoman bed fell on her neck and asphyxiated her, a coroner’s report said.
Thousands of miles from home, Trudeau learns of dissension in his caucus
The free trade agreement with ASEAN is expected to be signed at the end of 2025. If Trudeau is pressured to step down, or if his government falls and loses the next election, Trudeau will not, as prime minister, be there to see the fruits of his labour.
Warmer than normal temperatures lead to duller fall colours in Ontario
An especially warm fall in Ontario means the province may not get the colourful array of fall foliage that usually transforms treetops this time of year.
3 in 4 Canadians show support for defence spending on new submarines, Nanos survey shows
Three in four Canadians support defence spending on new submarines, according to a new survey from Nanos Research and CTV News.
Only roughly 1 in 5 childless adults say they'll have children, survey finds
New data from the Angus Reid Institute shows that only one in five childless adults 50 or younger are confident they will have children.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
