Hill v. Scientology and Grant v. Torstar: Reputation vs. Free Speech

Two Supreme Court of Canada decisions are central to defamation law in Ontario: Hill v. Church of Scientology of Toronto (1995) and Grant v. Torstar Corp., 2009 SCC 61.

Hill v. Church of Scientology (1995)

At a press conference, a lawyer and the Church of Scientology made false allegations that a Crown attorney, Casey Hill, had misled a judge. A jury awarded record damages. The Supreme Court upheld the award and refused to adopt the U.S. "actual malice" rule, which makes it much harder for public figures to sue. Reputation, it said, deserves protection too.

Grant v. Torstar (2009)

The Toronto Star published a story about a proposed private golf course and quoted residents' allegations about its developer, Peter Grant. The Supreme Court created a new defence: responsible communication on matters of public interest. A publisher can rely on it if:

1. the story was on a matter of public interest, and
2. the publisher was diligent in trying to verify it, considering factors such as the seriousness of the allegation, its urgency, and whether the other side's view was sought.

What it means for you

• Before posting serious allegations, check your facts and get the other side's response.
• If you are defamed, act quickly: Ontario has strict notice deadlines for newspapers and broadcasts.
• Anti-SLAPP: Ontario courts can quickly dismiss lawsuits that target expression on public issues.

Sources

• Hill v. Church of Scientology of Toronto, 1995 CanLII 59 (SCC)
• Grant v. Torstar Corp., 2009 SCC 61 (CanLII)
• Libel and Slander Act (Ontario)

Read next: Pointes Protection: How Ontario's Anti-SLAPP Law Works

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

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This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.