Vision Vancouver drops defamation lawsuit after NPA apology

Vision Vancouver has dropped its defamation lawsuit against the Non-Partisan Association (NPA) and Mayoral Candidate Kirk LaPointe for accusing Mayor Gregor Robertson and Councillor Geoff Meggs for seeking illegal union donations during last fall’s municipal election campaign.

The allegations were made by LaPointe and on the NPA’s election campaign materials, which alleged a $34,000 donation from CUPE Local 1004. The accusations revolved around an alleged conflict of interest as the union represents the ‘outside workers’ of the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Parks Board and Recreation, and the Pacific National Exhibition.

However, in April 2015, a judge deemed there was “no evidence… that Local 1004’s contribution was anything other than a lawful political contribution.”

According to a press release issued by Harper Grey LLP, Vision Vancouver’s lawyers, the NPA and LaPointe have accepted the court decision, withdrawn their allegations and apologized. In addition, the NPA made an undisclosed contribution to cover Vision Vancouver’s legal bill.

“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,” reads the statement.

“As the issues involved in these actions have been resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, it is time to move on.”

CUPE Local 1004 filed a defamation lawsuit as well, but that was also dropped following an apology by the NPA and LaPointe.