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

    VPD Wants To Talk To Good Samaritans Who Helped Injured Motorcyclist

    VPD Wants To Talk To Good Samaritans Who Helped Injured Motorcyclist
    The Vancouver Police would like to identify and thank the citizens who provided first aid to a seriously injured motorcyclist following a crash on Birch Street at West 6th Avenue on Wednesday, July 5. 

    VPD Wants To Talk To Good Samaritans Who Helped Injured Motorcyclist

    Police Bust Suspected Fentanyl Processing Operation In Abbotsford

    Police Bust Suspected Fentanyl Processing Operation In Abbotsford
    This investigation continues to target associates involved in gang violence and/or trafficking in drugs, and is specifically directed at disrupting the distribution of fentanyl.

    Police Bust Suspected Fentanyl Processing Operation In Abbotsford

    PHOTO: Help Surrey RCMP ID suspect In Attempted Bank Robbery

    PHOTO: Help Surrey RCMP ID suspect In Attempted Bank Robbery
    Surrey RCMP is asking the public to assist in identifying a suspect in an attempted bank robbery that occurred this past May in Guildford.

    PHOTO: Help Surrey RCMP ID suspect In Attempted Bank Robbery

    Sex Offender In Vancouver Wanted On Canada-Wide Warrant

    Sex Offender In Vancouver Wanted On Canada-Wide Warrant
    Anyone With Information On 40-year-old Christopher Schafer's Whereabouts Is Asked To Call 911.

    Sex Offender In Vancouver Wanted On Canada-Wide Warrant

    Scattered Showers Won't Help B.C. Wildfires, Winds May Fuel Flames: Officials

    Scattered Showers Won't Help B.C. Wildfires, Winds May Fuel Flames: Officials
    WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Despite a slight reprieve in weather conditions in recent days, crews battling wildfires in British Columbia are now preparing for the worst as officials predict winds to pick up over the weekend.

    Scattered Showers Won't Help B.C. Wildfires, Winds May Fuel Flames: Officials

    Lumber Prices See 'Big Jump' After Wildfires In British Columbia

    Lumber Prices See 'Big Jump' After Wildfires In British Columbia
    VANCOUVER — The wildfires in the B.C. Interior that have forced some sawmills to halt operations have resulted in a boost in lumber prices at a time when forestry companies have been squeezed by softwood duties on exports to the U.S.

    Lumber Prices See 'Big Jump' After Wildfires In British Columbia