For over a decade now, Ottawa Life Magazine has taken a strong stance against police brutality and misconduct. With a focus on the RCMP and the Ottawa Police specifically, we’ve covered a variety of stories ranging from the alleged sexual violence and harrassment faced by women in the force to horrific instances of violence against people who are Indigenous, Black and of other marginalized communities. This pattern of misconduct has left many in the city with a sense of distrust, and even fear, of the police who are meant to serve and protect them. As one of Ottawa’s longest running publications, we have always written about difficult topics in the public's interest. Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly’s legal action against us, as a "private citizen," is a prime example of a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP)–a means to protect the status quo and silence our reporting on police misconduct. If you believe in freedom of the press and support our right to discuss and criticize police governance, please consider donating to our campaign. Funds will go towards our legal fees and, if we succeed in having it dismissed, all funds will be donated to Maison Libère-Elles , a local women’s shelter that homes women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty, and other adversities.

Thank you,

Ottawa Life Magazine