Background:
Matt Sawatzky, former General Manager of the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club Inc. (PAGCC), was terminated without cause in 2020. He sued PAGCC and its board chair, Kelly Timmerman, for wrongful dismissal and defamation. He alleged that PAGCC and Timmerman falsely implied he had stolen funds, leading to reputational harm.

Legal Issues on Appeal:
Sawatzky appealed a Chambers judge’s decision to strike portions of his statement of claim. The appeal focused on:

1. Defamation Pleadings: Whether his pleadings adequately specified the defamatory statements and their republication.

2. Republication Liability: Whether PAGCC and Timmerman were liable for defamatory statements repeated by others.

3. Personal Liability of Timmerman: Whether Timmerman could be sued personally for defamation.

Court’s Decision:

• The appeal was allowed in part.

• The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal reinstated Sawatzky’s claim on republication but upheld the decision to strike claims against Timmerman personally, citing insufficient pleadings.

• Sawatzky was granted leave to amend his statement of claim to properly plead personal liability.

Costs and Award:
No monetary damages or awards were discussed in the appeal decision. The court made no order as to costs, given the mixed result.