Mr. Hansman also commented that racism and misogyny still exist in the British those things, not spreading hate and not spreading bigotry” (A.R., vol. II, at p. 34). The article did not name Mr. Neufeld or any other candidate, but noted that “some candidates” had shared “controversial views surrounding issues like refugees and LGBTQ supports in schools” (p. 33). [32] One month before election day, counsel for Mr. Neufeld wrote to Mr. Hansman demanding that he retract the statements he had made “over a number of months” about Mr. Neufeld (A.R., vol. II, at p. 139). The letter stated that proceedings would be launched unless a retraction and an apology were received within 10 days. [33] The next day, Mr. Neufeld declared that he was suing Mr. Hansman for defamation in an interview with a local news outlet. Counsel for Mr. Hansman wrote to Mr. Neufeld, explaining that Mr. Hansman would not be issuing an apology, given that interview. The letter contended that the request for an apology was “insincere at best, and most likely a political ploy” given that, as Mr. Neufeld was “demanding an apology as a way to avoid litigation”, he was simultaneously “declaring his intention to proceed with that litigation” (A.R., vol. II, at pp. 147-48). [34] Eight days before election day, Mr. Neufeld filed and served his defamation action against Mr. Hansman. The media picked up on the lawsuit and contacted Mr. Hansman for comment. Mr. Hansman told a local newspaper that he stood by his statements and that, along with Mr. Neufeld’s remarks about SOGI 123, 2023 SCC 14 (CanLII) Columbia school system, and that trustee candidates need “to commit to eradicating