Defamation occurs where another person has told a third party something false which puts you in a negative light. The defamatory statement direct or by way of innuendo. Oral defamation is called slander, written is libel.
While damages are awarded for injured feelings, the largest awards in Canada are for statements which injure the plaintiff in his or her profession or occupation.
Please note that there are special limitation periods in this area, for example, where libel is published in a newspaper, the paper must be notified within six weeks (this is often extended if you did not become aware of the defamation at the time), and if you have been defamed, you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible