Close X
Tuesday, October 1, 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

    Calgary Pride: Police Can Participate In Parade, But Not In Uniform

    Calgary Pride says it's encouraging police officers to take part in its annual parade in September — under some conditions.

    Calgary Pride: Police Can Participate In Parade, But Not In Uniform

    Police Search For Woman Confessing In Video To Saskatoon's White Powder Packages

    Police Search For Woman Confessing In Video To Saskatoon's White Powder Packages
    SASKATOON — Police in Saskatoon are looking for a woman on a video in which she claims responsibility for the deliveries of several suspicious parcels in the city last spring.

    Police Search For Woman Confessing In Video To Saskatoon's White Powder Packages

    B.C. Premier John Horgan Delivers Mandate Duties To Cabinet Ministers

    B.C. Premier John Horgan Delivers Mandate Duties To Cabinet Ministers
    VICTORIA — British Columbia's new premier handed his cabinet ministers their to-do lists on Monday, and the tasks include a mix of both campaign promises and new plans. 

    B.C. Premier John Horgan Delivers Mandate Duties To Cabinet Ministers

    Missing Non-Lethal Grenade Launcher, Ammunition Found: B.C. Police

    Missing Non-Lethal Grenade Launcher, Ammunition Found: B.C. Police
    Mounties in British Columbia say a missing non-lethal grenade launcher has been found.

    Missing Non-Lethal Grenade Launcher, Ammunition Found: B.C. Police

    Toronto's Pearson Airport Could Be Hit By Baggage Handlers' Strike On Thursday

    TORONTO — The union representing 700 workers at one of the largest baggage and ramp handling companies at Toronto's international airport could be in a strike position on Thursday.

    Toronto's Pearson Airport Could Be Hit By Baggage Handlers' Strike On Thursday

    Canadian Airlines Aiming To Become A Biofuel Superpower, Reduce Carbon Footprint

    Canadian Airlines Aiming To Become A Biofuel Superpower, Reduce Carbon Footprint
    MONTREAL — The country's top airlines say resource-rich Canada has the potential to become a biofuel superpower by transforming forest residue and agricultural crops into energy that can help the industry reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Canadian Airlines Aiming To Become A Biofuel Superpower, Reduce Carbon Footprint