Bill 46: Prevention of Proceedings That Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act

This law affects any business or individual in the NWT who speaks publicly about community or industry issues — for example, a small contractor who criticizes a government procurement process, a local business owner who comments on environmental or development concerns, or an Indigenous community member who voices concerns about a resource project. It also affects businesses that bring lawsuits against critics, since those suits can now be dismissed quickly with enhanced cost awards and damages if found to be abusive. The law applies regardless of whether the expression was made in a public forum or picked up by the media. Both solo operators and larger organizations are equally covered — what matters is whether someone was expressing a view on a matter of public interest.