[Gay State Conservative]

In Ontario, the law is different. Basically any negative comment is considered to be defamatory. Guilt is presumed, malice is presumed and damages are presumed.

So does that mean that in a Parliamentary campaign if a candidate says "and my opponent doesn't even floss regularly" the opponent can just declare himself to be deeply hurt (I mean,who wants a representative with halitosis?) and,voila!,a $100,000 judgment?

[conniew]

So does that mean that in a Parliamentary campaign if a candidate says "and my opponent doesn't even floss regularly" the opponent can just declare himself to be deeply hurt (I mean,who wants a representative with halitosis?) and,voila!,a $100,000 judgment?

In a word: yes.

The plaintiff wouldn't even have to prove that the statement cost him any votes.

[Sam Gamgee]

Yes, yes he can.