[Section 15] Don't like democracy? Sue for libel

Ever wonder how democracy can be subverted by libel law? Look no further: A group of lawn care professionals is about to sue an unnamed municipality for libel over a bylaw which affects their business.

I found this press release:

Lawn Care Companies Seek Damages from Activists and Municipalities

MONTREAL, April 18 /CNW Telbec/ - MREP Communications is a consulting
services firm that provides support through a network of companies in North
America and the EU on environmental policy and communications.

A group of lawn care professionals has asked us to review current and
pending bylaws that restrict or prohibit the use of registered lawn pesticides
in Canada. Our current focus is the by-laws in Ontario. We have just completed
the first phase of a three-part systematic review of these municipal bylaws in
Ontario and are looking forward to comparing our findings with those of the
Ontario Government's review. However, to-date, there has been no response to
our request for a meeting.

At this point, the onus on the lawn care professionals and related
industries is the mitigation of damages caused by these bylaws that prevents
the operation of their trade.

...Entrepreneurs, second and third generation family-run businesses have
been adversely affected by conjecture and rumor. These companies will no
longer tolerate any additional losses created by municipalities or activists.
The industry has taken a stand of zero tolerance for libel, slander of goods
and cyber bullying by activist or individuals.

Activist groups have indicated they will be targeting other aspects of
our industry, including golf, agricultural, forestry, aquatic and
industrial-site uses of pesticides and fertilizers.

On April 25, 2008, the first lawsuit for defamation and slander of goods
against a municipality will be filed. We will target municipalities that feel
they have to damage our reputations or educate the public by malicious
falsehoods in an effort to support their bylaws or influence provincial
policy.

It's not that I'm saying they don't have a claim under our crazy libel laws -- I have no idea.

I am saying that if there is a problem with any bylaws, this is not the way to fix things in a democracy.

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Posted By Mark Francis to Section 15 at 4/19/2008 12:19:00 AM