BPC Bulletin: Quebec's Court of Appeal Rules on Gabriel v. Ward (2)

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

In Quebec, the Court of Appeal has ruled on a dispute that pits a comedian’s freedom of expression against a singer’s freedom from discrimination.

On November 28, 2019, the court upheld a verdict that requires Mike Ward, a stand-up comedian, to pay singer Jérémy Gabriel $35,000. In his act, Mr. Ward had repeatedly made Mr. Gabriel, who has Treacher Collins syndrome, the target of jokes.

However, the court struck down an order that required Mr. Ward to pay $7,000 to Mr. Gabriel’s mother.

Mr. Ward plans to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

REPORTAGE

In The Post Millennial, Roberto Wakerell-Cruz reports:
https://www.thepostmillennial.com/canadian-comedian-loses-appeal-must-pay-35000-for-joke/

COMMENTARY

In the Toronto Sun, Tom Mulcair comments:
https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/mulcair-a-comedians-court-case-highlights-the-free-speech-balancing-act

In The Suburban, Howard Greenfield comments:
http://www.thesuburban.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/bullying-and-its-wards/article_f35c1a79-bfd1-567f-9eb6-7470604e2171.html

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.