NCCM announces settlement of defamation lawsuit against former spokesman for Stephen Harper

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) announces settlement of defamation lawsuit against former spokesman for Stephen Harper Written by National Council of Canadian Muslims Published in News

(Ottawa - March 20, 2017) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is pleased to confirm settlement of its libel lawsuit against Jason MacDonald (former director of communications for the Right Honourable Stephen Harper) and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada on terms acceptable to the parties.

In announcing the settlement, Mr. MacDonald and the NCCM have issued the following joint statement:

"On January 16, 2014, Jason MacDonald made a media statement as the Director of Communications for the Right Honourable Stephen Harper about the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). That statement prompted legal action by the NCCM, which has now been resolved.

"Mr. MacDonald accepts that his statement in January of 2014 does not accurately reflect the activities of the NCCM, its Board of Directors or its employees. Mr. MacDonald and the NCCM wish to state that they stand together in their commitment to human rights, pluralism and the condemnation of violence.

"Jason MacDonald accepts that the NCCM is a Canadian Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization committed to civic engagement and the promotion of human rights; that the NCCM is an important contributor to public discourse on issues that impact diverse Canadian communities; and that the NCCM categorically condemns terrorism, violent extremism, and all individuals and groups who espouse violent goals."

The Government of Canada has also issued a public statement

"A media statement made on January 16, 2014 by Jason MacDonald, Director of Communications for the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, about the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) prompted legal action by the NCCM.

"The Government of Canada affirms that the statement made about the NCCM does not reflect the official view of the Government."

The NCCM will not be making any further comment.