Close X
Monday, September 30, 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

    Uber Launches Fleet Of Mapping Vehicles In Vancouver Ahead Of Fall Rollout

    VANCOUVER — A popular ride-hailing company wants to get the lay of the land as it gears up to hit the streets of Metro Vancouver by the end of the year.

    Uber Launches Fleet Of Mapping Vehicles In Vancouver Ahead Of Fall Rollout

    Canadian Pastor Freed From North Korean Prison 'On His Way Home': Family

    Canadian Pastor Freed From North Korean Prison 'On His Way Home': Family
    TORONTO — Relatives of a Canadian pastor released this week after more than two years in a North Korean prison said Thursday he is "on his way home" and they are anxious to be reunited with him.

    Canadian Pastor Freed From North Korean Prison 'On His Way Home': Family

    Suspected Opioid Use In Sarnia, Ont., Leaves 1 Dead, 2 In Hospital

    Suspected Opioid Use In Sarnia, Ont., Leaves 1 Dead, 2 In Hospital
    Police in Sarnia, Ont., have issued a public safety notice after one person died and two others were taken to hospital on Wednesday evening due to suspected drug overdoses.

    Suspected Opioid Use In Sarnia, Ont., Leaves 1 Dead, 2 In Hospital

    Canadian Brides-To-Be Scramble After Bridal Retailer Files For Bankruptcy

    Canadian Brides-To-Be Scramble After Bridal Retailer Files For Bankruptcy
    TORONTO — Margaret Perdue started bawling when she heard on the radio that the bridal retailer responsible for her wedding gown had abruptly closed its doors.

    Canadian Brides-To-Be Scramble After Bridal Retailer Files For Bankruptcy

    No Supreme Court Appeal For Refugee Who Sought Canadian Citizenship

    No Supreme Court Appeal For Refugee Who Sought Canadian Citizenship
    OTTAWA — The Supreme Court declined Thursday to hear the case of a refugee hoping to compel the federal government to grant him citizenship in a case that has also raised broader questions about Canada's asylum system.

    No Supreme Court Appeal For Refugee Who Sought Canadian Citizenship

    Police Investigate As Coldplay Fans Turned Away In Montreal, Duped By Fake Tickets

    Police Investigate As Coldplay Fans Turned Away In Montreal, Duped By Fake Tickets
    MONTREAL — Many Coldplay fans in Montreal hoping to catch their final show in the city Wednesday night were turned away, the victims of an apparent online fake ticket scam.

    Police Investigate As Coldplay Fans Turned Away In Montreal, Duped By Fake Tickets