Gerry Taft says he will be discussing the possibility of an appeal in his defamation case with his lawyer, but for the next few days, his focus is his election campaign.
Taft, the Mayor of Invermere and NDP candidate for Columbia River Revelstoke was ordered to pay $75,000 in damages plus special costs for indemnity for legal fees to Devin Kazakoff, after the latter sued him for defamation for comments Taft made on a website regarding Mr. Kazakoff.
Justice G.C. Weatherill made the ruling on Thursday, May 4.
Taft’s comment referenced an incident where Kazakoff and an associate were charged with mischief under $5,000 for vandalizing and destroying two deer traps in Kimberley in 2014. Kazakoff pleaded guilty to the offence, was fined $2,700 and conditionally discharged.
Following the publication of the defamatory remarks, Kazakoff demanded an apology from Taft. Taft’s lawyer, Brent Desruisseaux, argued that his client’s comments of free expression based on a reasonable person’s understanding of legal terminology.
After a 12-day trial, the judge concluded that Taft’s remarks on the website were in fact defamatory in a 48-page judgement on the case.
Kazakoff said he was pleased with the vindication of his reputation and to have the matter behind him.
However, Taft has issued a statement that suggests an appeal may be possible.
“I offered an early apology concerning this matter.
“I am disappointed by the judgement and disagree with much of it. I will be consulting with my lawyer about filing an appeal.
“For now, I am focussed on the election campaign and the issues that matter to the people of Columbia River Revelstoke.”
Bc Liberal candidate in this riding, Doug Clovechok, also issued a statement.
“The people of Columbia River-Revelstoke deserve an MLA with the highest integrity, someone they can trust. And I’m working hard every single day to earn their support on May 9th.”