Mike Duffy is suing the Senate, federal government for $8M
Sen. Mike Duffy is taking legal action against the Senate and the federal government, seeking more than $8 million in damages.
The suit seeks $6.5 million in general damages, $300,000 for loss of income and benefits and $1 million in punitive damages relating to the treatment Duffy faced during the Senate expenses scandal.
Lawrence Greenspon, Duffy’s lawyer in the matter, said the senator has suffered “stress and serious financial damage” after the Red Chamber moved to suspend him in 2013 pending the outcome of a criminal trial.
Duffy is also accusing the RCMP of negligence in its investigation into his housing and travel expenses.
An Ontario judge dismissed all 31 criminal charges relating to Duffy’s Senate expenses in April 2016, clearing the way for his return to the Senate. Duffy now sits as a member of the Independent Senators Group (ISG).
The P.E.I. senator’s pay — and most of his benefits — were withheld for two years but were later restored when former prime minister Stephen Harper dissolved Parliament to call the last election.
Senior Conservative senators have previously warned that Duffy will face an uphill battle if he tries to recoup lost pay.
Original article filed by CBC News
