Judge reserves decision on appeal filed by nurse fined for Facebook comments

A Saskatoon judge has reserved his decision on an appeal filed by a nurse who was fined $26,000 for criticizing the quality of care her grandparents received in a long-term care facility.

The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association imposed the penalty on Carolyn Strom of Prince Albert for unprofessional conduct after she posted the comments on Facebook in 2015.

The association said Strom used her status as a nurse for personal purposes and violated the confidentiality of her grandparents.

Strom’s lawyer, Marcus Davies, says the case is being watched across Canada and focuses on freedom of expression.

Roger Lepage, a lawyer for the association, argued the appeal shouldn’t be granted because the decision to impose the fine was reasonable and Strom should have complained through proper channels rather than on social media.

Strom says when she made the Facebook post she never thought it would result in a legal battle.

“It has been a very taxing three years,” Strom said to CTV Saskatoon Thursday outside court.

“It has been really stressful and it takes its toll so we’re just hoping that the right decision is made and that we’ll be able to move on from this.”

Legal counsel for the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses and the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association also argued for the appeal to be granted.

Justice Grant Currie has not set a date for his verdict. (CTV Saskatoon)