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

    Melania Trump meets Prince Harry, Trudeau on solo trip to Toronto

    Melania Trump meets Prince Harry, Trudeau on solo trip to Toronto
    U.S. first lady Melania Trump encouraged the American team participating in an Olympic-style competition for wounded service members and veterans to take their "fighting spirit" and "bring home the gold."

    Melania Trump meets Prince Harry, Trudeau on solo trip to Toronto

    Tax changes to make system fair not stifle business growth: Trudeau

    Tax changes to make system fair not stifle business growth: Trudeau
    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government has no intention of stifling growth for small businesses and start-ups with its upcoming changes to the tax code.

    Tax changes to make system fair not stifle business growth: Trudeau

    Trudeau urges Canadian companies to seek fortune in China's $5 trillion market

    Trudeau urges Canadian companies to seek fortune in China's $5 trillion market
    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on Canada's small-and-medium sized businesses to embrace globalization and help deepen what he termed the "Canada-China friendship" by exploring the market potential of selling to its half-billion increasingly spend-happy consumers.

    Trudeau urges Canadian companies to seek fortune in China's $5 trillion market

    Suspect in Quebec Amber Alert case makes brief initial court appearance

    The 41-year-old father at the heart of an Amber Alert in Quebec earlier this month was hunched over, eyes fixed to the ground as he made his first appearance in court Monday.

    Suspect in Quebec Amber Alert case makes brief initial court appearance

    Attention intensifies around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Invictus Games

    Attention intensifies around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Invictus Games
    he appearance of Prince Harry's girlfriend over the weekend at the opening ceremonies of the Invictus Games in Toronto continues to be scrutinized by royal watchers, who have commented on everything from how far they sat from each other to where the American actress purchased her outfit.

    Attention intensifies around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Invictus Games

    Prince Harry greets Canadian winners of the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards

    Prince Harry greets Canadian winners of the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards
    The energy Prince Harry generated at the Invictus Games' opening ceremony concert on Saturday night spilled over to Sunday, when the prince met with dozens of high-achieving Canadian youth at the presentation of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Gold Awards.

    Prince Harry greets Canadian winners of the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards