Issue: Appeal of a full indemnity costs order under the Protection of Public Participation Act (PPPA).

Key Points:

• Defamation Case: The appellants, involved in a political association, sued former Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart for defamation over a 2021 press release. The suit was dismissed under the PPPA in July 2022, as it was deemed a "SLAPP" (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation).
• Costs Order: The appellants were ordered to pay full indemnity costs (~$100,000), which they appealed, arguing the court misapplied the law and misunderstood the evidence. The court's costs ruling focused on discouraging SLAPP actions.
• Court of Appeal's Ruling: The appeal was dismissed. The court upheld the full indemnity costs order, noting the trial judge correctly applied the law. The defamation suit had characteristics of a SLAPP, particularly limiting political expression, justifying the costs award.

• The lawsuit was more strategic than legitimate.
• The appellants' litigation actions, including attempts to limit Stewart’s defense, were seen as improperly motivated.