Court rejects WRDSB attempt to dismiss defamation lawsuit
CTV
A retired teacher is claiming a “major victory” in her ongoing legal battle with the Waterloo Region District School Board.
A retired Waterloo Region District School Board teacher is claiming a “major victory” in her ongoing legal battle with the board.
The Ontario Court of Justice rejected the school board’s attempt to dismiss a defamation lawsuit against them and its former chair Scott Piatkowski.
Justice James Ramsay handed down the ruling on Nov. 23, saying the lawsuit launched by Carolyn Burjoski can proceed. He also ordered the school board to pay $30,000 of Burjoski's legal fees.
“Hello everyone. I’m thrilled to announce my first major victory in my legal battle with the Waterloo Region District School Board,” said Burjoski in video update posted online. “I am overjoyed to report the judge dismissed the board’s motion, allowing my defamation lawsuit to proceed.”
The case arises from a 2022 school board meeting where Burjoski questioned the decision to make books available in school libraries about transgender youth.
Piatkowski put an end to her presentation and removed her from the meeting. Burjoski retired shortly after, began an online fundraiser and launched her lawsuit.
Although this is a significant step, one Kitchener associate lawyer who is not connected to this case, said the outcome of the overall dispute isn’t set in stone.
