Toronto Libel Lawyer
When false statements threaten your name, career, or business, you need a Toronto libel lawyer who moves quickly and understands what is at stake. At Powell Litigation, we prosecute and defend defamation (libel) claims across Toronto and Southern Ontario. With deep courtroom experience, clear strategic advice, and a record of strong results, we protect reputations and pursue meaningful remedies.
Why Choose Powell Litigation for Libel & Defamation
- Reputation Defense, Done Right: We act for both plaintiffs and defendants in matters involving online reviews, social media posts, news publications, and corporate communications. Our advice is balanced and strategic on every file.
- Track Record in High-Stakes Matters: Led by Weston Powell, our team has secured significant outcomes through negotiated retractions, apologies, takedown orders, and damages awards.
- Strategic and Efficient: We move fast to preserve evidence, assess defenses, and position your case. Whether you need urgent relief, a discreet resolution, or a trial strategy, we set the right course.
- Trusted by Clients and Peers: Voted Best Law Firm by the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Awards, backed by an A+ BBB rating, and supported by more than 380 five-star Google reviews.
- Clear Advice, Real Options: We translate complex libel law into practical steps that reduce harm quickly while protecting your long-term interests.
- Accessible Representation: Based in North York, we deliver big-firm advocacy at competitive rates and focus resources where they matter most, your case.
Serving individuals, professionals, and businesses across Ontario, Powell Litigation provides decisive advocacy when your reputation is on the line.
What Is Libel in Ontario?
Libel is written or otherwise recorded defamation that harms your reputation when it is published to others. This can include articles, online reviews, emails, social posts, or corporate memoranda. Ontario courts recognize the primacy of reputation and provide remedies that include damages, injunctions, retractions or apologies, and takedown relief.
Defences to a Libel Claim
When someone is sued for libel, they may rely on recognized defenses:
- Justification (Truth): The statement is substantially true.
- Fair Comment: An opinion on a matter of public interest that is based on fact, recognizable as comment, could be honestly held on the proven facts, and is not actuated by malice.
- Absolute Privilege: Statements made in certain protected contexts, such as legal proceedings, are not actionable.
What Affects Damages in Defamation Cases?
Courts consider factors such as:
- The seriousness of the allegation
- The identity and reach of the speaker
- The breadth of publication and any republication
- Whether a balanced picture was presented
- Any motive to boost ratings or professional profile
- The conduct of the defendant throughout litigation
- Whether there was a retraction or apology
- Whether a truth defense was established
Our Approach to Libel Matters
Reputation issues demand precision and speed. We protect you now and position you to win later.
- Immediate Triage: Evidence preservation, publication mapping, and harm assessment.
- Strategy and Options: Demand letters, negotiated retractions or apologies, platform takedowns, or urgent court relief.
- Efficient Resolution: Mediation and structured settlements that repair and compensate.
- Trial-Ready Advocacy: If settlement is not possible, we build a clear and compelling case for court.
Fast Remedies for Online Libel
- Preserve Evidence: Capture screenshots, URLs, timestamps, and any analytics showing reach or views.
- Demand and Takedown: We issue targeted letters and use platform policies to remove content or secure corrections.
- Urgent Court Relief: Where necessary, we seek injunctions to stop further publication and to preserve evidence.
What to Collect Now
- Links and screenshots with dates and times
- Any responses, corrections, or retractions
- Proof of harm such as lost clients, revenue, or opportunities
- A list of where the content was shared or republished
To discuss your situation, meet our team or call us at (437) 222-2234.
Frequently Asked Questions About Libel in Toronto
What counts as libel in Ontario?
Libel is a written or recorded statement published to someone other than you that harms your reputation (e.g., articles, emails, posts, reviews). Publication can occur anywhere the words are read or downloaded, which matters for jurisdiction in online cases.
How long do I have to sue for libel?
Most defamation claims follow Ontario’s two-year limitation period (discoverability applies). But special, shorter notice rules may apply to libel in newspapers or broadcasts (e.g., written notice within six weeks), so act quickly. Online posts often don’t trigger those special notice rules.
What defences can defeat a libel claim?
Common defences include truth (justification), fair comment (opinion on a matter of public interest, based on facts, recognizable as comment, and not malicious), responsible communication on matters of public interest, and forms of privilege.
What remedies are available if I’ve been libelled?
Courts may award damages, order injunctions, and consider retractions/apologies; practical solutions like takedowns and de-indexing can also reduce ongoing harm.
What is an anti-SLAPP motion and could it affect my case?
Ontario’s anti-SLAPP law lets defendants quickly ask the court to dismiss lawsuits targeting expression on matters of public interest, potentially shifting costs and ending a case early if the plaintiff’s claim lacks merit or public-interest harm outweighs it.
Case Results
Reputation Saved
Successfully had multiple defamatory posts removed from various social media outlets on behalf of clients.
Claim Dismissed
In a multi million dollar arbitration, we successfully defended against all claims, leading to a full dismissal with costs awarded to our client.
Damages Reduced by 85%
Successfully challenged the credibility of the opposing party, resulting in them being awarded only 15 percent of their claimed damages by the court.
Expert Admissions Secured
Used strategic cross examination to extract key admissions from the opposing party’s expert witnesses, building a compelling defense and shifting the balance of the trial.
See more of our case results.
Client Testimonials: Over 380 Five-Star Reviews
See more of our client testimonials here.
Read more of our 380+ five-star Google Reviews
Awards and Credentials
Powell Litigation holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, was voted Best Law Firm by the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Awards, and has more than 380 five-star Google reviews.
About Our Founder – Weston Powell
Weston Powell established Powell Litigation to deliver strong advocacy in complex civil disputes, including defamation. Known for decisive courtroom work, Weston frequently presents at legal conferences and professional trainings. He earned a Philosophy degree from the University of British Columbia, graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School, and has been a member of the Ontario bar since 2015. He belongs to the Ontario Bar Association, the Toronto Lawyers’ Association, and The Advocates’ Society, and he received the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Award for Best Lawyer.
Contact Our Toronto Libel Lawyers
Ready to protect your reputation? Schedule a safe consultation by phone or video with our Toronto libel lawyers. Call (437) 222-2234 or fill out our online contact form.
Powell Litigation, 80 Richmond St W Suite 1300, Toronto, ON M5H 2A4, Canada, +1 437-222-2234.