Law360 Canada (October 1, 2026, 4:54 PM EDT) -- New Saskatchewan legislation reflecting the digital age and protecting residents against “online misinformation” have come into force.
According to the province, the new legislation “will have enhanced protections against online misinformation.” The
Defamation Act comes into force Oct. 1 and replaces Saskatchewan’s
Libel and Slander Act, which has been in place since 1909, notes a
press release.
The new legislation “modernizes and simplifies” defamation laws “to reflect today’s media landscape and ensure it effectively addresses online and digital communications.”
Specifically, it removes terminology referring to “newspapers” so that the laws apply equally to all publishers, including those of digital and online media.
It also allows courts to issue “take-down and de-indexing” orders in response to harmful online content that continues to circulate after initial publication and establishes a “single cause of action” for a publication and any republications of the “same material by the same publisher.”
It also does away with what the province calls an “outdated distinction” between libel and slander and will now refer to it simply as “defamation” — thus placing under that single umbrella both written and spoken statements deemed to be harmful to someone’s reputation.
The change comes after the Law Reform Commission of Saskatchewan released a report calling for changes to the antiquated
Libel and Slander Act.
(The commission’s role is to review and improve the province’s laws in the name of clarity and modernity.)
“The
Defamation Act provides Saskatchewan with a modern legal framework that is better suited to today’s communications environment,” said Law Reform Commission chair Michael Milani in a statement. “The Act implements key recommendations aimed at protecting reputational rights, promoting clarity and fairness, and ensuring Saskatchewan’s defamation laws remain effective and relevant in the digital age.”
Saskatchewan Justice Minister Tim McLeod echoed Milani’s comments.
“The
Defamation Act provides Saskatchewan with a modern legal framework that reflects today’s communications environment,” said McLeod. “With the legislation now in force, courts have clearer tools to address harmful online content while maintaining the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of reputation.”
Saskatchewan
proposed the amendments back in November 2025.
At the time, a government spokesperson confirmed the change would make the meaning of defamation more comprehensive and align Saskatchewan with many other Canadian jurisdictions.
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