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

    Saving Omar Khadr: 'We Plugged All The Holes,' Chopper Medic Recounts

    Saving Omar Khadr: 'We Plugged All The Holes,' Chopper Medic Recounts
    For years the battle-hardened and decorated American veteran wrestled with his conscience, with whether he'd done the right thing in saving the life of Omar Khadr, seen by many as a terrorist who profited from his crimes.

    Saving Omar Khadr: 'We Plugged All The Holes,' Chopper Medic Recounts

    Winds Create Concerns As Some B.C. Wildfire Evacuees Return Home

    Winds Create Concerns As Some B.C. Wildfire Evacuees Return Home
    Residents of two communities evacuated due to wildfires in British Columbia have been allowed to return, but officials say it's unclear when thousands of others will be allowed to go home.

    Winds Create Concerns As Some B.C. Wildfire Evacuees Return Home

    Wildfire Conditions Remain Stable In B.C., Although Several New Blazes Sparked

    Wildfire Conditions Remain Stable In B.C., Although Several New Blazes Sparked
    KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Wildfire crews in British Columbia continue to keep a close eye on the weather but despite predictions of strong winds and lightning, conditions remained relatively stable over the weekend.

    Wildfire Conditions Remain Stable In B.C., Although Several New Blazes Sparked

    Kelowna, B.C., Teen Completes English Channel Swim, Raising Thousands For Charity

    Kelowna, B.C., Teen Completes English Channel Swim, Raising Thousands For Charity
    KELOWNA, B.C. — While many teens spend summers relaxing, a 17-year-old from Kelowna, B.C., has been pushing her body and mind to the limits and raising thousands of dollars for charity in the process.

    Kelowna, B.C., Teen Completes English Channel Swim, Raising Thousands For Charity

    Vancouver Police Say New Program Could Stop Crime Before It Happens

    Vancouver Police Say New Program Could Stop Crime Before It Happens
    VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Police Department says it will be the first in Canada to start using a new crime-prediction model that could stop crimes before they happen.

    Vancouver Police Say New Program Could Stop Crime Before It Happens

    Man Punches Bear In The Nose In Fight For Survival During B.C. Beachcombing Trip

    Man Punches Bear In The Nose In Fight For Survival During B.C. Beachcombing Trip
    QUALICUM BEACH, B.C. — A British Columbia man's beachcombing trip turned into a harrowing fight for survival as a grizzly bear flailed him around "like a puppet."

    Man Punches Bear In The Nose In Fight For Survival During B.C. Beachcombing Trip