ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – A court in Newfoundland and Labrador has rejected separate lawsuits filed by two former cabinet ministers who were kicked out of the Liberal caucus four years ago.
Eddie Joyce and Dale Kirby were also removed from cabinet in April 2018 after harassment allegations surfaced against them.
Both responded by filing separate civil lawsuits against several members of the legislature, alleging the complaints had damaged their reputations and led to financial losses.
In two separate decisions released two weeks ago, Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court Justice Sandra Chaytor dismissed each lawsuit, saying virtually all of the allegations were covered by parliamentary privilege, which meant the court lacked jurisdiction.
In Kirby’s case, Chaytor said his allegations of defamation were not covered by parliamentary privilege but were not supported by requisite facts.
As a result, Chaytor allowed Kirby to file an amended statement of claim.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2023.
