Expert Analysis

Anti-SLAPP decision clarifies line between ‘public’ and ‘private’ expression

By James R.G. Cook ( May 5, 2026, 12:50 PM EDT) -- Ontario courts continue to refine the boundaries of the province’s anti‑SLAPP regime, particularly at the threshold stage where a defendant must show that a proceeding arises from an expression relating to a matter of public interest. While the test is designed to be a modest one, recent decisions demonstrate that its application can still present difficulties where the line between “public” and “private” expression is blurred....