Close X
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. woman files lawsuit against Canadian government over terrorist label

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Sep, 2017 10:09 AM

    A B.C. Supreme Court lawsuit accuses the federal government of maliciously supplying false information about terrorist-related activity to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to secure lucrative military contracts for Canada's defence industry.

    Perienne de Jaray's lawsuit claims her life, reputation, fortune and future were critically damaged by the actions of Canadian government officials in an investigation that resulted in criminal charges, which were later dismissed.

    Her statement of claim filed in August says federal officials acted deliberately and maliciously in order to make an example of de Jaray because of pressure coming from the U.S. State Department to crack down on terrorist activity and create more prosecutions related to illegal exports.

    A court in the United States granted the British Columbia woman's application to dismiss a similar legal action in the United States before she filed the lawsuit in Canada.

    A statement issued by de Jaray through her lawyer says she and her family suffered years of fear and anxiety over accusations that were baseless.

    The Canadian government has not filed a response to the civil claim.

    The lawsuit names the Attorney General of Canada as the defendant. The Justice Department referred requests for comment to the Canada Border Services Agency, which said it is reviewing the lawsuit and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.

    None of the allegations contained in the statement of claim have been proven in court.

    De Jaray is a former co-owner and executive of Apex USA, once a multimillion-dollar subsidiary of electronics maker Apex Canada, which her father founded.

    She has alleged she suffered years of baseless investigation on both sides of the border after the Canadian government told the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2009 that it had intercepted a shipment of illegal, weapons-grade electronics from Apex — a claim later revealed to be false.

    All criminal charges against de Jaray and her father were stayed in 2011. The charges were eventually dismissed.

    De Jaray's written statement says there has been no repercussions for the federal government over her treatment, the loss of her home in the United States, or the loss of confidence to pursue her career.

    "I have been left for dead," she says.

    "I suffer from debilitating flashbacks and severe emotional trauma that I have and will continue to spend years in an arduous attempt to manage."

    The statement of claim argues the federal government is liable for damages for violating her charter rights, malicious prosecution and infliction of nervous shock.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Astronaut Julie Payette To Be Appointed Canada's 29th Governor General

    Astronaut Julie Payette To Be Appointed Canada's 29th Governor General
      Payette will become the 29th person to hold the position, and the fourth female to be the monarch's representative in Canada.

    Astronaut Julie Payette To Be Appointed Canada's 29th Governor General

    Air Canada Passenger: Pilot Didn't Tell Fliers Of Near-Calamity In San Francisco

    California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones was on the flight from Toronto returning from a conference of insurance regulators when the pilot mistakenly made his approach toward the taxiway Friday night instead of the nearby runway.

    Air Canada Passenger: Pilot Didn't Tell Fliers Of Near-Calamity In San Francisco

    Winnipeg Councillor Jason Schreyer Racks Up $57K In Personal Expenses On City Credit Card

    Winnipeg Councillor Jason Schreyer Racks Up $57K In Personal Expenses On City Credit Card
    WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg city councillor who had his work credit card suspended had racked up $57,000 in personal expenses that included groceries, a Christmas dinner at a restaurant and an X-box for a relative.

    Winnipeg Councillor Jason Schreyer Racks Up $57K In Personal Expenses On City Credit Card

    'What Floats My Boat:' Canada's Strongest Woman Prepares For Calgary Stampede

    'What Floats My Boat:' Canada's Strongest Woman Prepares For Calgary Stampede
    The 35-year-old Calgary resident has won the Canada's Strongest Woman competition three times in a row and is one of the competitors at this week's Strongman competition at the Calgary Stampede.

    'What Floats My Boat:' Canada's Strongest Woman Prepares For Calgary Stampede

    B.C. Real Estate Association Says June Sales Still Far Above 10-Year-Average

    B.C. Real Estate Association Says June Sales Still Far Above 10-Year-Average
    VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Real Estate Association says June home sales fell short of record levels set last year but demand remains well above average.

    B.C. Real Estate Association Says June Sales Still Far Above 10-Year-Average

    Hope In Williams Lake, B.C. After Anxious Few Days Waiting For Wildfires

    For days, residents of Williams Lake, B.C., have been preparing for the worst. Told by authorities that fast-moving wildfires nearby could suddenly advance toward the city, people have either fled early or gotten ready to leave at a moment's notice.

    Hope In Williams Lake, B.C. After Anxious Few Days Waiting For Wildfires