SLAPP Protection Statement (Anti-SLAPP)

1. Purpose and scope

This statement sets out the position of William Guindon and his site regarding SLAPP suits, i.e. legal actions whose real purpose is not to win a case, but to intimidate, exhaust or silence a person who participates in the public debate.

This protection applies to all actions, appeal filings (CCE SEM-26-003, UN deposition), open letters, media interventions, field investigations and citizen mobilizations carried out by William Guindon in favor of the protection of Grande Tourbière de Blainville (Great Blainville Peat Bog), the safe management of dangerous materials and the rights of future generations.

2. Commitment to good faith and quality of information

William and the site undertake, prior to any distribution:

1. In good faith: all formulation is made in good faith, without intention of harming anyone.
2. Veracity and verification: the facts stated are based on identifiable sources, public documents, measurements or verified testimonies, presented with caution and without exaggeration.
3. In a measured tone: comments are presented as verified factual assertions or, when they are opinions, clearly identified as such (comment, open letter, opinion).
4. The absence of harassment and intimidation: communications are not intended to harass, intimidate or insult any person.
5. Upon rectification: any demonstrated inaccuracy is corrected promptly, visibly and transparently.
6. Respecting the public interest: information serves public debate and the general interest.

These commitments constitute the conduct which the site makes its standard so that its expression remains legitimate, proportionate and defensible.

3. Position regarding SLAPP suits

William and his parents believe that strategic recourses aimed at muzzling public debate on issues of general interest (environment, public health, rights of future generations) are contrary to the public interest and citizen participation.

Consequently:

• The site will not give in to judicial intimidation in its legitimate information work;
• Any threat of prosecution will be treated seriously and calmly, with the help of a lawyer, and with the agreement and presence of William's parents;
• The site will rely, where applicable, on the protections recognized in Quebec against abusive prosecutions, in particular the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure relating to abusive requests and “public mobilization” (art. 51 et seq.);
• The site will maintain complete documentation of its publications, sources and evidence in order to be able to demonstrate the good faith and seriousness of its work.

4. Recognition of the dissuasive cost of SLAPP suits

William is a minor and a student, without financial resources to support a long legal procedure. A SLAPP suit, even if unfounded, can create a disproportionate deterrent effect. It is precisely for this reason that the site:

• favors verifiable factual assertions, based on public documents and transparent methods;
• limits his comments to what is necessary for information of public interest;
• invites any person concerned to exercise a right of reply and to request a correction before any appeal;
• documents each step rigorously.

5. Right of reply and amicable resolution

The site undertakes to examine in good faith, quickly and graciously, any request for rectification or well-founded right of reply, presented in writing. Amicable resolution is always preferred.

6. Role of parents (protection)

William being a minor, any legal communication, any threat of prosecution, any official request or any settlement proposal is transmitted to his parents or guardian, who monitor it with the help of a lawyer if necessary. No one should contact William directly with a legal question without his parents being informed.

7. Declaration status

This statement expresses a position and editorial commitments of williamguindon.me. It is published as a stand-alone policy, with no signature required, for information and transparency. It does not constitute legal advice and does not bind third parties. Any legal question must be entrusted to a lawyer from the Barreau du Québec.