BPC Bulletin: Billionaire Wins Right to Sue Twitter in British Columbia

News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carter of the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee.

January 31, 2021 - A judge in the Supreme Court of British Columbia recently ruled that a West Vancouver billionaire may sue a U.S. social media company for defamation.

Justice Elliott Myers gave Frank Giustra the right to sue Twitter Inc. in British Columbia. The ruling occurred on January 14, 2021.

Mr. Giustra is the founder of Lionsgate Entertainment and CEO of the Fiore Group of Companies.

THE RULING

Read Giustra v. Twitter Inc. here:

https://www.bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/sc/21/00/2021BCSC0054cor1.htm

REPORTAGE

In the Vancouver Sun, Keith Fraser reports:

B.C. billionaire wins right to sue Twitter for defamation | Vancouver Sun

The Canadian Press reports:
(1) Businessman Frank Giustra’s lawsuit against Twitter can proceed in B.C. court: judge | Globalnews.ca

The CBC’s Jason Proctor reports:

B.C. billionaire given the green light to sue Twitter over 'Pizzagate' tweets | CBC News

In The Globe and Mail, Josh O’Kane reports:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-bcs-top-court-can-hear-twitter-defamation-case-after-jurisdiction/

Brent Richter of The North Shore News reports:
Twitter must face Frank Giustra defamation suit in B.C., court rules - Economy, Law & Politics | Business in Vancouver (biv.com)

In The Post Millennial, Noah David Alter writes:
BC Supreme Court allows Twitter to be sued for defamation | The Post Millennial

The Book and Periodical Council was formed in 1975 as the Book and Periodical Development Council to provide a venue for members to discuss industry issues, address mutual concerns and undertake projects for the benefit of Canadian writing and publishing.