Lawmakers Replace Libel and Slander Terms

Summary#

• This is a housekeeping bill. It updates other Saskatchewan laws to match the new Defamation Act.

• It replaces the old terms “libel” and “slander” with the single term “defamation.”

• It does not create new rights or penalties. It lines up wording so the rules still work when the new Defamation Act starts.

• Key changes:

  • Updates the Jury Act to refer to “defamation” instead of “libel and slander.”
  • Updates the Legislative Assembly Act so protections and references use “defamation.”
  • Updates the Small Claims Act so it refers to “defamation” instead of “libel and slander.”
  • Takes effect on the same day the new Defamation Act takes effect.

What it means for you#

• General public

  • The rules for suing over harm to your reputation do not change here. This bill only updates words in related laws.
  • If you plan to sue for defamation, you still need to use higher court processes, not small claims court.

• People called for jury duty

  • You may see “defamation” on jury documents where “libel” or “slander” used to appear. Your duties do not change.

• Elected members and people following the Legislature

  • Statements made in the Legislative Assembly remain protected as before. The wording now uses “defamation” for clarity.

• Journalists, publishers, and online posters

  • This bill does not change the legal tests or defenses for defamation. Those are set in the new Defamation Act. This bill just aligns other laws to that term.

Expenses#

Estimated annual cost: No publicly available information.

• The bill changes wording in existing laws. No new programs or payments are created.
• Government may update forms, websites, and training materials. These are likely minor administrative costs.

Proponents' View#

• Aligns Saskatchewan laws so they all use the same plain term, “defamation,” reducing confusion.
• Helps the new Defamation Act work smoothly by fixing cross-references in other laws.
• Avoids loopholes that could arise from outdated terms like “libel” and “slander.”
• Makes legal language clearer for the public, courts, and juries.
• Creates no new powers, penalties, or major costs.

Opponents' View#

• Some may worry that swapping terms across many laws could have small, unintended effects until courts clarify them.
• People who want a lower-cost path to resolve reputation disputes still cannot use small claims court; this bill keeps that exclusion in place.
• The need to read this bill alongside the main Defamation Act could be confusing for the public during the transition.