In his Reasons for Decision, Justice Beaudoin wrote that, “There is nothing unlawful in making a request for information that is specifically permitted by legislation.” (Para. 17)  Later adding, “The fact that he [the person making the request] may have been persistent does not make it unlawful.”  (Para. 19.)

The decision should be a reassuring relief to those who dare attempt to obtain information from government hands.

The case itself arose following Correctional Services Canada decision to locate the Ottawa District Parole Office at the corner of Elgin and Gilmour in Ottawa.  The location was controversial, in part, because it was situated directly opposite the Elgin Street Public School.

Parents at the school were concerned about their children’s safety.  One of the parents who objected to the location of the Parole Office was Albert Galpin, and Mr. Galpin has since set out to have the Parole Office relocated.  In his attempt to have the Parole Office relocated Mr. Galpin, along with others, made requests for information to the government offices responsible for locating the Parole Office.

The landlord of the building in which the Parole Office is currently located, the Plaintiff 595799 Ontario Limited, sued Mr. Galpin and another individual claiming “intentional interference with economic relations.” 

Sean Bawden of Beament Green represented Mr. Galpin in his defence of the lawsuit and successfully brought a summary judgment motion against the plaintiff corporation.

In concluding that summary judgment should issue dismissing the action against Mr. Galpin, Justice Beaudoin wrote that he was “satisfied that there are no issues requiring a trial.”  Costs were not immediately awarded.