Dr. Kurvinder Kaul Gill, a Brampton, Ontario pediatrician who became famous for criticizing the government’s response to COVID-19, will pay $1 million in legal fees after a defamation lawsuit was dropped earlier this year. I was ordered to
The cost is related to $12 million legal action The doctor was brought in claiming defamation against a group of 23 doctors, an academic, a former president of the Ontario Medical Association, and reporters for several news outlets. The lawsuit was dismissed in February. Gill is appealing the dismissal.
Judge Elizabeth Stewart ruled this week that Gil must pay the defendants as much as $1.1 million in legal fees. Part of the cost must also be paid by Dr. Ashvinder Kaur Lambda, who sued several of the same individuals.
Gil’s attorney, Jeff Cycully, told the National Post that both the dismissal of the defamation lawsuit and the cost award are being appealed.
Gill first filed a defamation lawsuit in late 2020, identifying comments she said were defamatory, made on Twitter by other doctors, professors and journalists.
Gill’s statement of allegations states: [Gill] Literally ruining her career and reputation. ”
“Against the COVID narrative”
During COVID-19, Gil was one of many doctors and medical professionals who opposed official government messages about the pandemic.
For example, Gil tweeted that hydroxychloroquine is effective in treating COVID-19 in her view. She tweeted about her T-cell immunity and referenced the work of other medical and scientific researchers with similar perspectives.
She also tweeted about a global scientific opinion that underscores the view that lockdowns are dangerous and have foreseeable consequences for the economy, health and overall public welfare. I also questioned the effectiveness of COVID-19 injections.
Gil, August 4, 2020 murmured In her opinion: “There is absolutely no medical or scientific reason for this prolonged, harmful and illogical lockdown.”
Gill said her views have been discredited by other doctors and the media. disciplinary action This included warning her that her social media posts stating that vaccines are unnecessary and lockdowns are unjustified pose a potential risk to public health.
Gil appeared before a review board on October 12, where her attorney, Lisa Bildy, argued that the complaints against Gil were unrelated to the patient’s complaints, and that the doctor had “provided scientific research and opinions to her.” shared on their social media accounts, we oppose the COVID narrative favored by these complainants.”
On October 13, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) Public Hearing Notice So that Gil appears in front disciplinary courtfor engaging in “shameful, dishonorable, or unprofessional conduct” in relation to her alleged communications about COVID-19.
All actions taken by the CPSO are listed as pending appeal.
Gil’s attorney, Jeff Cykery, did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
Noé Chartier contributed to this report.
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Marnie Cathcart is a reporter based in Edmonton.