Press Release: MANITOBA METIS FEDERATION SUES WEBSITE!

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
November 30, 2005


WINNIPEG - The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) has brought suit against Clare Pieuk, the webmaster of CyberSmokeSignals, for allegations made in an online petition posted on the website in January 2004.

In its Statement of Claim, the Manitoba Metis Federation contends that the following allegations in the petition are defamatory:

"And whereas the Manitoba Metis Federation has been needlessly spending vast amounts of money for inappropriate travel and accommodation for David Chartrand, as well as, some Board Members;

"And whereas David Chartrand has already spent tens of thousands of dollars on pre-election campaigning [. . . .];

"And whereas very large sums of money intended for appropriate purposes such as consulting with members on hunting and harvesting issues has already been spent by David Chartrand on campaigning;

"And whereas Metis people believe that MMF elections should be conducted fairly with all candidates having an equal opportunity;

"And whereas the Federation's Board has been illegally authorizing campaign spending for David Chartrand and unlawfully spending your public monies to pay his election court challenge fees;

"And whereas unnecessary Board travel has been authorized for public relations purposes to one candidate only, namely David Chartrand;

"And whereas Metis have no confidence that any extra funding provided to the Federation will be spent in a legal or appropriate manner but rather believe all principles of fair play will be set aside by the Board of Directors approving campaign and public relations expenses for David Chartrand only;

"And whereas the Metis believe that any extra money provided to the MMF will be used in attempts to hinder and suppress the rights of the other candidates for the presidential election rather than providing them with an equal opportunity."

Jeff Niederhoffer, the lawyer for Mr. Pieuk, has already indicated to reporters that his client plans to fight. "We intend to vigorously defend the truth of each and every one of the allegations in the petition. My client is in possession of evidence to back up what's written in the petition, and we look forward to using it at trial," Niederhoffer has said. "We are going to show what we have to a jury and let them make up their own mind as to who is telling the truth."

The MMF has alleged that the documents and evidence in Mr. Pieuk's possession have in fact been stolen from its offices.

In an unprecedented pre-trial motion, the MMF has not only demanded that Mr. Pieuk turn over all material in his possession, but that he disclose how he came into possession of it.

Niederhoffer confirms he plans to fight the MMF's motion when it comes up before the court. But Niederhoffer also indicates that the question of control of the documents may soon be academic. "Months ago, as a safeguard, we provided copies of everything we have to the Auditor General's office, and we also took other steps to ensure that the contents of the documents will be public knowledge by the time this comes to trial."


ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Jeffrey J. Niederhoffer
Barrister and Solicitor
PO Box 48081 RPO Lakewood
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 4A3
Ph: 204-471-8682
Email: jjn@niederlaw.com
Website: http://www.jeffniederhoffer.com

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