Jonathan Denis, Breanna Palmer legal proceedings revealed after publication ban lifted
An Alberta judge has revoked an emergency protection order granted to the wife of former Alberta justice minister Jonathan Denis, who has been accused of physical, emotional and financial abuse.
Court of Queen's Bench Judge Craig Jones lifted the protection order that had been granted to Breanna Palmer on Monday.
"I am satisfied that Ms. Palmer is not in danger of family violence and is not in need of protection," Jones said.
The judge also lifted a publication ban on the proceedings.
Denis's lawyer Jeff Wise argued on Monday that the publication ban should be lifted, while Palmer's lawyer Tasamine Davis said it should be maintained to protect her client's privacy.
During a hearing last week, Palmer alleged that Denis once kneed her in the face, that he withheld her T4s and told her that he owned all the judges and lawyers in town, so there was no point in taking legal action against him.
Police called to home in April
Police were called to the couple's home by Palmer's friend on April 12, when Denis came home after campaigning to find his wife packed up and moving out.
That friend, Margot Anderson, testified that Denis was angry and yelling at Palmer.
When police arrived, they separated the couple while Palmer and her friends packed a U-Haul. No charges were laid.
It was during that incident that Denis's mother, Marguerite Denis, is alleged to have locked Palmer inside the home. Marguerite Denis was also named in the protection order.
Denis told the judge he believed Palmer's timing was carefully calculated to malign him during the election campaign and that she could have moved out at any time.
Under cross-examination, Palmer admitted to leaking the protection order to a reporter on the same day it was granted.
Outside court, Denis said he was relieved with the outcome and looks forward to focusing on campaigning.
"It's been a very difficult week for my family and friends, but I'm so thankful for all the people across the province who have contacted me," he said.
Premier, opposition react
Alberta Premier Jim Prentice asked Denis to resign from cabinet on April 25.
In a statement issued Monday, Prentice said his wife first alerted him that Denis and Palmer were having marital problems two weeks before that. He said he asked Denis to resign as soon as he learned the matter was before the courts.
"A marriage breakdown is a tragic circumstance for all involved. And that is what this remains, a matrimonial dispute that continues to be extremely difficult for both of these people," he said. "I will not comment further on these very personal matters."
Denis has remained in the race as the Tory candidate for Calgary-Acadia.
Wildrose Party Leader Brian Jean called on Denis to drop out.
"Even if only half these allegations are proven to be true, it is only proper for Mr. Prentice to ask for his candidate's resignation immediately," he said in a written statement.
