$200K Sault College lawsuit alleges 'malicious' remarks by Conestoga College president

Sault College and its president are suing Conestoga college and its president for defamation, seeking $200,000 in damages.

It stems from comments Conestoga College president John Tibbits made in February about Sault College president David Orazietti, including referring to him as "a whore."

The statement of claim, filed on April 11, alleges that following the federal government's announcement in January of new restrictions on the number of international students coming into Canada, Orazietti gave a media interview that was published on Feb. 9.

In it, the Sault College president spoke of the immigration minister's desire to root out "bad actors" and Orazietti mentioned Conestoga as an example of a college reliant on the higher tuition paid for by international students.

"At all times, Mr. Orazietti's statements were objective and based in fact," the statement of claim reads.

Then on Feb. 14, at a public event organized by Conestoga, Tibbits is alleged to have made several comments about Orazietti including "talk about a whore," that he should "shut his mouth" and referring to colleges in northern Ontario, including Sault College, partnering with private colleges in southern Ontario that hand out diplomas like "puppy mills."

"In their extended meaning or by innuendo, the statements mean or were meant to convey a message that Sault College and Mr. Orazietti are deceptive, fraudulent, and unreliable in their professional activities," reads the statement of claim.

"The statements were... a warning to others to avoid any involvement or interaction with Sault College and Mr. Orazietti."

On Feb. 15, the Conestoga College board of governors issued a statement that the comments were unacceptable and that Tibbits had "expressed regret for making the comments and apologized for the offensive remarks."

But Sault College found that apology "unacceptable" and on Feb. 27 wrote a letter requesting a direct apology, to which it says it has received no response.

Sault College claims that its reputation and Orazietti's have been damaged by these comments.

It claims this could result in a decrease of enrolment and a loss of funding for the school and is seeking $150,000 for defamation and $50,000 in punitive damages for the "malicious, high-handed, spiteful, and harassing conduct."

"Unfortunately, we've had to take this necessary step as a last resort given the seriousness of the public comments made by Mr. Tibbits to further protect the integrity of Sault College," Sault College said in a statement.

"We have been more than reasonable in our request for a direct apology for his personal attacks and misinformation about our college and our operations. However, to date, the Conestoga College Board of Governors is either unwilling or unable to hold Mr. Tibbits accountable."

A spokesperson for Consetoga College told CBC Monday that it cannot provide comment "as the matter is before the courts."

"Our focus remains on providing high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for our students, staff and faculty," the spokesperson said in an email to CBC News.