Former provincial lawyer sets out to sue over controversial brief
Posted May 9, 2017 09:01:21 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – A former provincial lawyer who presented a controversial legal brief in court that characterized the Mi’kmaq as a conquered people is planning to sue the premier, the former justice minister and the attorney general’s office.
Alex Cameron filing a notice of application for a publication ban in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia just days after retiring and in preparation for a planned lawsuit
Cameron was the government lawyer in a case against the Sipekne’katik first nation, which appealed the approval of an Alton Gas plan project saying they had not appropriately consulted with the first nation.
Cameron presented a brief that said the crown only obliged to consult with “unconquered people,” prompting premier McNeil to apologize while Cameron was quickly removed from the case
Cameron argues in legal filings that he retired “because of conduct towards him, including public statements that rendered continued employment intolerable…accusing the respondents of defamation, abuse of public office, constructive dismissal and a constitutional violation.”
McNeil responded to the allegations on the campaign trail Monday, telling Global News his feelings on the case haven’t wavered.
“I believe the province of Nova Scotia has a duty to consult,” McNeil explained.
Cameron retired from the department Apr. 30 and the request for an in-camera hearing to consider a publication ban on the case will be heard on May 23.
