MNS Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Government

MNS Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Government

Thursday, November 04, 2004 at 14:24

 

 

A defamation lawsuit launched by the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan against the provincial government has now been filed at Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench.

 

The MNS is also suing Keith Lampard, the man who wrote a damning report into the organization’s controversial election earlier this year.

 

Lampard concluded the results of the election cannot be trusted, and the government responded by severing all ties with the MNS.

 

In its statement of claim, the MNS says the government and Lampard demonstrated a “callous disregard for the rights” of the Metis Nation.

 

The claim also states that the report “greatly injured” the reputation of the MNS and brought the organization into “scandal and contempt”.

 

The claim is seeking general damages in excess of $410,000 for the funding the province is withholding.

 

It also calls for punitive damages in excess of $50,000 and special damages for loss of income opportunities.

 

MNS president Dwayne Roth is also acting as a lawyer for the organization, and says he’s looking forward to examining Lampard and Metis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag under oath.