A former Alberta justice minister has failed to persuade a judge to overturn a court ruling that found him contempt of court for intimidating witnesses.
Alberta Court of Appeal Judge Ritu Hular said in a written decision that Jonathan Dennis had failed to argue why the lower court’s decision should be postponed.
Hular notes that Dennis has already filed an appeal against the disrespect decision and that the appeal hearing remains the best place to settle it.
Denis also asked the judge to postpone the penalties and costs he may receive for disrespect until the complaint is heard.
Hular also denied this, rejecting Dennis’ argument that allowing sanctions before his appeal would cause lasting damage to his law practice.
Dennis was found out of disrespect last month when his law firm wrote a letter threatening to sue Alberta’s former chief medical officer for defamation as she testified in her case for wrongful dismissal against the province.
Dr. Ani Sovajo is seeking lost wages and benefits after her contract was not renewed in 2014.
The Queen’s Court Court, Doreen Sulima, ruled on April 13 that the letter threatening to sue Sovajo had made her afraid to testify clearly and honestly and had caused another witness to testify in full.
Dennis is not a defendant in the case, but he was justice minister at the time of the charges.
Sauvageau claims she was forced to quit her job as a punishment after expressing concerns about what she saw as political interference and charging for corpses.
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