Alberta courts now recognize harassment as a civil wrong you can sue for. Since the Court of King’s Bench decision in Alberta Health Services v Johnston in 2023, a person in Alberta who is subjected to repeated, unwelcome conduct that attacks their dignity, makes them fear for their safety, or foreseeably causes them emotional distress can bring a civil claim for damages and ask the court to order the conduct to stop. Keystone Legal acts for people across Alberta facing harassment, from a first cease and desist letter through to a civil claim.
What counts as harassment in Alberta law
To succeed in a harassment claim, Alberta law requires proof of four things: repeated communications, threats, insults, stalking, or other harassing behaviour, in person or online; that the person knew or ought to have known was unwelcome; that attacks your dignity, would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of loved ones, or could foreseeably cause emotional distress; and that caused you harm. A single unpleasant incident is usually not enough. A pattern of unwanted contact, messages, posts, calls, or showing up where you are can be.
The pages below cover each part of this work, from the core civil claim and the cease and desist letters that resolve many situations without one, to online harassment, post-separation
harassment, court orders that stop the conduct, and the evidence that makes every option stronger.
These matters are handled through secure virtual consultations, with court attendance at the Calgary Courts Centre where required. Services are available in English and French.
Our Services
- Civil Harassment Tort Claims
- Cease and Desist Letters
- Online Harassment, Cyberstalking and Doxxing
- Post-Separation Harassment
- Restraining Orders and Injunctions to Stop Harassment
- Evidence and Documentation Strategy for Harassment Claims
- Harassment by Neighbours, Business Associates and Acquaintances
