Vancouver Civic election defamation lawsuits settled

VANCOUVER, Sept. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - During the 2014 civic election campaign the NPA, through its election materials, and mayoralty candidate Kirk LaPointe, made allegations of impropriety on the part of Mayor Gregor Robertson and Councillor Geoff Meggs in seeking a campaign contribution from CUPE Local 1004 and accepting contributions to Vision Vancouver from Local 1004 and its provincial and national counterparts. 

The NPA and Mr. LaPointe acknowledge that Mr. Justice Myers, in a judgment dated April 17, 2015, found that there was "no evidence … that Local 1004's contribution was anything other than a lawful political contribution". 

The NPA and Mr. LaPointe accept this judgment, withdraw their allegations, and apologize for any harm that may have been caused to the Mayor and Councillor Meggs. 

Mayor Robertson and Councillor Meggs are pleased that a comprehensive settlement has been concluded which will result in dismissal of the defamation action and disposal of the appeal of Mr. Justice Myers' decision. As part of the settlement the defendants have made a contribution towards costs in the defamation action. 

As the issues involved in these actions have been resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, it is time to move on. Such being the case, none of the parties to the actions will be commenting on the settlement or the events giving rise to the three lawsuits. 

SOURCE Harper Grey LLP

Harper Grey LLP, Counsel for Mayor Robertson and Councillor Meggs, Bryan G. Baynham, Q.C., 604.895.2802; Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Counsel for Kirk LaPointe and the NPA, David Wotherspoon, 604.631.3179