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

    DARPAN's 10 with Andrew Weaver, leader of Green Party of BC

    After the election resulted in a minority government, we spent a long time considering what we heard from voters and how we could get the best possible agreement that would put their interests first. 

    DARPAN's 10 with Andrew Weaver, leader of Green Party of BC

    MP John Aldag Launches New Initiative To Engage With Constituents

    MP John Aldag Launches New Initiative To Engage With Constituents
    Residents can participate in a poll on their priorities for the riding or engage in dialogue on wide ranging issues.

    MP John Aldag Launches New Initiative To Engage With Constituents

    MP Hélène Laverdière endorses Jagmeet Singh for leader of Canada’s NDP

    MP Hélène Laverdière endorses Jagmeet Singh for leader of Canada’s NDP
    As a Quebec Member of Parliament, Laverdière knows that Jagmeet will find support in Quebec.

    MP Hélène Laverdière endorses Jagmeet Singh for leader of Canada’s NDP

    US-Syrian Woman Sets Up Model School In Al-Qaida-Run Region

    US-Syrian Woman Sets Up Model School In Al-Qaida-Run Region
    ISTANBUL — Running a school in the enclave controlled by Syria's al-Qaida affiliate, Syrian-American Rania Kisar has become skilled in getting her way, either by negotiating with the militants or by pushing back against them.

    US-Syrian Woman Sets Up Model School In Al-Qaida-Run Region

    Ottawa Cops Ordered To Pay Wrongfully Arrested, Brutalized Woman $254K

    Ottawa Cops Ordered To Pay Wrongfully Arrested, Brutalized Woman $254K
    A woman brutalized by Ottawa police during her wrongful trespassing arrest and left naked for hours in a holding cell nine years ago has been awarded $254,000 in damages.

    Ottawa Cops Ordered To Pay Wrongfully Arrested, Brutalized Woman $254K

    Home Sales Across Canada Fall 6.7 Per Cent, Biggest Monthly Drop In Seven Years

    Home Sales Across Canada Fall 6.7 Per Cent, Biggest Monthly Drop In Seven Years
    Transactions last month were down 6.7 per cent compared with May on a national basis, the third consecutive monthly decline, with the Greater Toronto Area registering a 15.1 per cent drop.

    Home Sales Across Canada Fall 6.7 Per Cent, Biggest Monthly Drop In Seven Years