My name is Brad Celmainis. I’m a Calgary accountant and small-business owner, and I need your help covering the legal costs of defending myself against what I believe is a bad-faith defamation lawsuit designed to silence me.

How This Started

In summer 2021, I served as CFO of a legally registered Third-Party Advertiser (TPA) during the Calgary municipal election. My name, role, and identity were always fully public — listed on the Elections Calgary website and never hidden.

Shortly after the election, I became the target of a coordinated harassment campaign through fake “sock puppet” accounts on Twitter and Facebook. One account, “Jessica Thompson,” was especially aggressive — doxxing me, making references to my family, and spreading false and defamatory claims, including fabricated allegations of spousal abuse. In December 2021, I received a threatening email that I traced back to this account.

These fake accounts continued to be created, even after the originals were removed. Many remain active today.

The Lawsuit

In April 2024, I was sued for defamation. I feel the plaintiff's claims are completely meritless. Every statement cited in the claim was made to accounts I genuinely believed belonged to the plaintiff, based on over two years of documented harassment.

My Affidavit of Records contains more than 2,000 pieces of evidence supporting my position.

The plaintiff claims not to use Twitter and denies any connection to the harassment, yet has taken no steps to identify or stop the accounts using their name and business logo to harass me and others.

I believe this is a SLAPP suit — a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation — intended to exhaust me financially and silence legitimate speech. Alberta has no anti-SLAPP legislation, which means well-resourced plaintiffs can use the court system as a weapon against ordinary people.

Progress So Far

I’ve fought back. In December 2025, a judge granted my motion to remove opposing high-profile counsel (and former Alberta government minister) due to a conflict of interest and awarded costs in my favour.

A court-sanctioned litigation plan is now in place, and while fundamental procedures are only just moving forward, I’m confident in the path ahead. I’m grateful beyond words for my former legal counsel for securing these protections for me.

Since this lawsuit began, I have not once publicly mentioned the Plaintiff’s name. The harassment directed at me, however, has continued.

Why I Need Your Help

Defending this case has been financially and emotionally devastating for my family. I’m raising funds to cover outstanding legal bills.

All donations will be transferred to my former legal counsel, net of transaction fees. I owe her a lot of money.

I am now self-represented, but my former counsel set me up to fight back more effectively against this nonsense. I am forever grateful for her efforts.

I don’t ask for help easily. For over two years, I’ve fought this largely alone, supported by a small circle of family and close friends. I’m ready to reclaim my life — and your support would mean everything.

Even sharing this page helps. Thank you.

Brad