Chief Derek Davis files $1.5 million defamation lawsuit against The Sarnia Journal and Nathan Colquhoun

Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis has launched a $1.5 million defamation lawsuit against local journalist Nathan Colquhoun, The Sarnia Journal, and its parent company Sarnia Media Group Inc.

Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis has filed a $1.5 million defamation lawsuit against journalist Nathan Colquhoun, The Sarnia Journal, and its parent company Sarnia Media Group Inc.

The statement of claim, filed April 7 in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Sarnia, seeks $1 million in general damages and $500,000 in special damages. It also asks the court to order the permanent removal of certain articles, social-media posts, and a YouTube video, along with a compelled retraction.

According to the filing, the lawsuit centres on a written complaint Colquhoun sent in March 2026 to the Sarnia Police Services Board and members of Sarnia city council, a YouTube video released March 30, and a subsequent Journal article. The claim alleges those materials contained false statements about the Chief’s involvement in the hiring of a civilian crime analyst and about his private consulting business, Norigen Management Consulting Inc.

Colquhoun, who is part of the worker-cooperative that operates The Sarnia Journal, said the reporting raised legitimate questions of public interest.

“This lawsuit arises from our reporting on matters of significant public interest involving the Sarnia Police Service,” Colquhoun stated. “A $1.5 million legal action brought by a Chief of Police against a small local newsroom operated as a worker-cooperative raises serious concerns about the potential chilling effect on independent journalism and public scrutiny of public institutions. We have already filed a Notice of Intent to Defend and look forward to addressing the claims through the proper legal process.”

The Sarnia Journal sought comment from Sarnia Police Services Board Chair Kelly Ash on whether the Board authorized, endorsed, or is funding the lawsuit and whether any police-service resources are being used.

In a written response, Ash stated that because the matter is the subject of an active legal proceeding — and The Sarnia Journal is named directly as a respondent — the Board is “unable to comment or provide clarification at this time.” She added that it would be “inappropriate” for the Board to make any public statements while the matter remains before the courts.

This position contrasts with comments Ash made to Blackburn Media on April 8, 2026, regarding the earlier libel notice sent to Colquhoun. At that time, Ash said on behalf of the Board that it stood “100 per cent” behind the Chief and the service’s decision to issue the notice.

“Yes, 100 per cent, yes,” Ash told Blackburn Media. “In regards to this, yes we absolutely stand behind it.”

Blackburn Media previously reported the action was filed by the Sarnia Police Service on behalf of the Chief. In an email exchange with The Journal, Blackburn reporter Stephanie Chaves confirmed she was told the suit was brought by the SPS on the Chief’s behalf, though the court documents name Chief Davis personally as plaintiff.

Colquhoun was served with the claim at his home on April 9 and filed his Notice of Intent to Defend the same day.

The underlying reporting examined the 2024 hiring of a former Halton Regional Police employee into a civilian intelligence and crime-analysis role, as well as the Chief’s disclosed private consulting business. Colquhoun maintains the issues involve hiring standards, vetting integrity, and transparency around potential conflicts between public duties and private business interests.

The Journal stands by its reporting. “We reviewed the libel notice carefully and determined that the reporting was substantially true, fair comment on a matter of public interest, and responsibly communicated,” Colquhoun said.

The case is expected to proceed in the coming months. None of the allegations in the statement of claim have been tested or proven in court.