Close X
Wednesday, October 2, 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

    What's Up For Canada Day? For A Change, It's Not Average Gasoline Prices

    What's Up For Canada Day? For A Change, It's Not Average Gasoline Prices
    CALGARY — Canadian motorists hitting the road for the country's 150th Canada Day weekend are expected to find the lowest average gasoline prices in seven years, according to GasBuddy.com.

    What's Up For Canada Day? For A Change, It's Not Average Gasoline Prices

    Jonathan Bacon Murder: Jujhar Khun-Khun Rented Car in Surrey 10 Days Before, Trial Hears

    Jonathan Bacon Murder: Jujhar Khun-Khun Rented Car in Surrey 10 Days Before, Trial Hears
    Car rental documents from Dollar Thrifty Automotive, now merged with Thrifty Car Rental, show Jujhar Khun-Khun rented a 2011 Jeep Cherokee on Aug. 4, 2011.

    Jonathan Bacon Murder: Jujhar Khun-Khun Rented Car in Surrey 10 Days Before, Trial Hears

    Police Get Man To Surrender After He Allegedly Challenges Them To Shoot Him

    Police Get Man To Surrender After He Allegedly Challenges Them To Shoot Him
    Police say they were able to encourage a knife-wielding man to surrender after he allegedly challenged them to shoot him.

    Police Get Man To Surrender After He Allegedly Challenges Them To Shoot Him

    A Look At What B.C.'s New NDP Government Is Promising, With Help From The Greens

    A Look At What B.C.'s New NDP Government Is Promising, With Help From The Greens
     Some of the key elements of a deal between the NDP and Green party on a minority government in British Columbia:

    A Look At What B.C.'s New NDP Government Is Promising, With Help From The Greens

    PM Trudeau Says He Looks Forward To Working Closely With John Horgan

    PM Trudeau Says He Looks Forward To Working Closely With John Horgan
    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley have welcomed British Columbia's new premier-designate John Horgan despite simmering tensions over the Trans Mountain pipeline project.

    PM Trudeau Says He Looks Forward To Working Closely With John Horgan

    B.C.'s New NDP Premier John Horgan Wasn't Always On The Path To Becoming A Political Leader

    B.C.'s New NDP Premier John Horgan Wasn't Always On The Path To Becoming A Political Leader
    British Columbia's next premier said in an interview earlier this year those personal struggles opened his heart.

    B.C.'s New NDP Premier John Horgan Wasn't Always On The Path To Becoming A Political Leader