The chief of a northern Manitoba First Nation denies he held a party that violated his own pandemic protocol.
Harold Turner, of Misipawistik Cree Nation, also “demands” APTN publish “a retraction and apology” and “cease” any further reporting, in a letter sent on his behalf by Winnipeg lawyer Jared Wheeler of Jerch Law.
“Failing to comply with this demand will result in legal action against APTN…to obtain court orders to restrain APTN…from continuing the unlawful and harmful activity. Legal action will include a claim for damages and legal costs,” Wheeler added.
APTN published two stories on its website April 14 and April 15.
READ MORE: Turner cease and desist letter to APTN
Wheeler alleged the stories were “false and defamatory” and harmed Turner’s reputation.
“Our Client is considering his options with respect to pursuing legal action against APTN,” he wrote in the letter.
APTN has asked Turner for an interview on several occasions but has not heard back.
READ MORE: APTN lawyer response
Wheeler said APTN published “false news stories rife with errors and misinformation about our Client, claiming, among other things, that he:
- “hosted a house party two days after cracking down on social gatherings”;
- “partied while his community was in pandemic lockdown”; and
- “trie(d) to fire councillor who called out his pandemic party”.
APTN again extended another invitation for comment through its lawyer but hasn’t heard back.
