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When a Dealership Sues Its Former Employee: The $300,000 Case Against Me

  • Writer: Jackson Ewald
    Jackson Ewald
  • 4 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

Introduction

In March 2025, I was served with a Statement of Claim from my former employer, Kitchener Nissan. The lawsuit alleges defamation and seeks $300,000 in damages. What follows is a factual breakdown of the situation, the timeline leading up to the case, and why this lawsuit raises serious questions about freedom of expression, workplace retaliation, and proportionality in legal action.



Background: Employment and Termination


I was employed by Kitchener Nissan as a detailer. During my time there, I consistently received positive feedback for my work ethic and went above and beyond my duties, including operating heavy equipment during snowstorms and assisting in cross-departmental operations. Toward the end of my employment, I raised concerns about workplace safety and managerial conduct. Within hours of contacting the Ministry of Labour, I was terminated. I was given no written warnings or prior disciplinary action during my employment.



The Lawsuit

Following my dismissal, I posted public commentary about my experience online, including on platforms like Reddit and Google. The lawsuit alleges that these posts damaged the dealership’s reputation and seeks $300,000 in damages for defamation.



My Legal Response



I submitted a full Statement of Defence and Counterclaim, asserting that:


  • My statements were based on firsthand experience and supported by documents, safety reports, and internal communications.

  • The comments were not defamatory but truthful and made in the public interest.

  • The lawsuit appears retaliatory in nature and intended to silence rather than resolve.

  • The company failed to properly address my safety concerns or investigate misconduct when it was raised, which may place them in violation of workplace safety laws.


Delays and Obstruction


Since filing, the Plaintiff has yet to provide a sworn Affidavit of Documents, as required under Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure. I’ve taken steps to compel them to comply through a formal motion, further reinforcing that this legal process isn’t being pursued in good faith on their end.


Why It Matters


This lawsuit raises important questions:


  • Should workers be punished for raising concerns about safety or misconduct?

  • Do businesses have the right to silence former employees through legal intimidation?

  • Where is the line between protecting reputation and suppressing the truth?

I believe this case represents more than just my situation. It speaks to a broader issue in today’s workplaces—where those who speak up are often targeted instead of protected.



Closing Thoughts


I never asked for this legal battle. But I will continue to stand by the truth and let the facts speak for themselves. This is now a matter of public record under Ontario Superior Court File No: CV-25-00000529-0000.


If you’re in a similar situation, know this: you’re not powerless. Your voice matters, and standing up for what’s right is never something to be ashamed of.

 
 
 

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