Courtroom arguments begin as Kamloops councillor seeks costs, damages in light of dismissal of mayor’s lawsuit

Opening submissions from Daniel Reid, Neustaeter’s lawyer, continued through lunch break Tuesday. Reid argued his client’s successful application to dismiss Hamer-Jackson’s lawsuit is why she should receive full indemnity costs.

Neustaeter’s lawyer claims Hamer-Jackson is using litigation to exert leverage over his critics, citing two more defamation lawsuits filed by the mayor – an additional claim against Neustaeter and the other one against Kamloops developer Joshua Knaak.

Reid also argues Hamer-Jackson has a power advantage by being the mayor of Kamloops, saying he has attempted to read affidavit material during council meetings.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Jacqueline Hughes challenged Reid when the lawyer included news articles that aren’t related to litigation while seeking costs. Neustaeter’s lawyer argued they suggest Hamer-Jackson has a pattern of engaging the legal process to try and silence critics.

Reid also told Justice Hughes there was a formal offer to settle the lawsuit on March 12, 2024. The proposed settlement sought to resolve the case via consent dismissal, and that each party would bear their own legal costs.

Neustaeter’s lawyer says his client reserves the right to bring the settlement offer to the attention of the court for consideration in relation to costs following judgment.

Hamer-Jackson is representing himself in the hearing. He has officially filed an appeal before the courts, wishing to see Justice Hughes’ decision overturned.

Justice Hughes is expected to render a decision after the second day of proceedings on Wednesday (May 6).

by Aaron Schulze

Courtroom arguments begin as Kamloops councillor seeks costs, damages in light of dismissal of mayor’s lawsuit

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