Close X
Wednesday, November 20, 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

    John Horgan, Andrew Weaver Deliver Political Agreement Documents To Government House

    John Horgan, Andrew Weaver Deliver Political Agreement Documents To Government House
    A representative for Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon accepted the documents on her behalf.

    John Horgan, Andrew Weaver Deliver Political Agreement Documents To Government House

    Highlights Of The NDP-Green Deal In British Columbia

    Highlights Of The NDP-Green Deal In British Columbia
    Some of the key elements of a deal between the NDP and Green party on a minority government in British Columbia:

    Highlights Of The NDP-Green Deal In British Columbia

    Forecast Thunderstorms Add To Flooding Concerns Across Southern B.C.

    Forecast Thunderstorms Add To Flooding Concerns Across Southern B.C.
    VANCOUVER — Residents in several areas of British Columbia are bracing for severe thunderstorms as another round of wicked weather bears down on flood-weary regions.

    Forecast Thunderstorms Add To Flooding Concerns Across Southern B.C.

    Dispute Over Grabher Licence Plate Heats Up As N.S. Man Told To Remove Plate

    Dispute Over Grabher Licence Plate Heats Up As N.S. Man Told To Remove Plate
    HALIFAX — A Nova Scotia man fighting to have his last name — Grabher — reinstated on a licence plate says police have now forced him to remove an inactive Alberta plate from the front of his car.

    Dispute Over Grabher Licence Plate Heats Up As N.S. Man Told To Remove Plate

    Robert De Niro Lends Celebrity To Nobu Launch As Worries Persist About Toronto's Housing Market

    Robert De Niro Lends Celebrity To Nobu Launch As Worries Persist About Toronto's Housing Market
    Actor Robert De Niro, celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and a cavalcade of development executives are betting huge on Toronto despite outside concerns about a real estate bubble in the city.

    Robert De Niro Lends Celebrity To Nobu Launch As Worries Persist About Toronto's Housing Market

    N.B. Drivers Will Have To Keep Distance From Cyclists Under 'Ellen's Law'

    N.B. Drivers Will Have To Keep Distance From Cyclists Under 'Ellen's Law'
    The amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act known as "Ellen's Law" means drivers must leave at least one metre of open space between their vehicle and a bicycle when passing a bike travelling in the same direction.

    N.B. Drivers Will Have To Keep Distance From Cyclists Under 'Ellen's Law'