Close X
Saturday, September 28, 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

    Conservative MP Dianne Watts announces bid for B.C. Liberal leadership

    An MP for Surrey, B.C., says she will step down from her federal post and dedicate her full efforts to becoming the next leader of the B.C. Liberals.

    Conservative MP Dianne Watts announces bid for B.C. Liberal leadership

    Youth homelessness advocate completes cross-country walk pushing a shopping cart

    Youth homelessness advocate completes cross-country walk pushing a shopping cart
    A man who lived on the streets of Vancouver as a teenager will push a shopping cart through the city's rough-and-tumble Downtown Eastside once again on Friday, but this time will mark the end of a cross-country journey to raise awareness about youth homelessness.

    Youth homelessness advocate completes cross-country walk pushing a shopping cart

    U.S. court tosses appeal from B.C. woman falsely labelled a terrorist

    U.S. court tosses appeal from B.C. woman falsely labelled a terrorist
    A British Columbia woman has hit a dead end in her quest for compensation from the Canadian government, whom she accuses of falsely branding her a terrorist and an arms dealer to American authorities.

    U.S. court tosses appeal from B.C. woman falsely labelled a terrorist

    Pilot narrowly avoids crash with glider on Vancouver-to-Chicago flight

    Pilot narrowly avoids crash with glider on Vancouver-to-Chicago flight
    A passenger aboard a flight from Vancouver to Chicago says there were some tense moments as the pilot swerved to avoid crashing into a smaller aircraft.

    Pilot narrowly avoids crash with glider on Vancouver-to-Chicago flight

    Missing, murdered women inquiry hears stories of loss at first B.C. hearing

    Missing, murdered women inquiry hears stories of loss at first B.C. hearing
    Mary Jane Hill wasn't there to witness the birth of her grandchildren or to see them graduate from high school. She won't be there when her daughter needs her most, when she's in pain, or on her wedding day.

    Missing, murdered women inquiry hears stories of loss at first B.C. hearing

    Pop star Miley Cyrus joins campaign to protect B.C.'s grizzly bears

    Pop star Miley Cyrus joins campaign to protect B.C.'s grizzly bears
    Pop star Miley Cyrus has added some high-profile clout to the latest awareness campaign launched by a British Columbia-based environmental group seeking a total ban on grizzly hunting across the province.

    Pop star Miley Cyrus joins campaign to protect B.C.'s grizzly bears