The B.C. Supreme Court case examining the defamation suit launched by Taseko Mines Ltd. against the Wilderness Committee will resume March 31, April 1 and 2, 2015,  when lawyers for both sides will return to court to present final arguments.

The trial, which began on Jan. 19, heard both sides argue for and against the suit, which was launched by Taseko in November 2012.

In the suit the company alleges the Wilderness Committee published defamatory statements in online publications to encourage members of the public to participate in the review process for the New Prosperity Mine located 125 kilometres south west of Williams Lake.

In its court documents, Taseko stated the defamatory statements were motivated by express malice of the Wilderness Committee, arising from the known publication of falsehoods and continued publication of falsehoods after notification.

“Our observation is the trial went very well,” said Brian Battison, Taseko’s vice-president of corporate affairs.

However, Wilderness Committee director Joe Foy said given the current debate over the Mount Polley tailings dam disaster he thinks people across the country will be watching the court case closely to better understand what restrictions there are (if any) regarding public comment on proposed large industrial projects like mines.

“At the Wilderness Committee we are proud to stand up for the right for everyone to speak or write freely on these issues,” Foy told the Tribune.

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Photo: Moonrise at Fish Lake. Chris Blake.