https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-manitoba-lawyer-arrest-private-investigator/
Mr. Carpay has been charged with intimidation of a justice system participant, and with attempting to obstruct justice. The charges follow an investigation by the major crimes unit of the Winnipeg Police that found Mr. Carpay hired the private investigator while he was in the process of bringing a high-profile constitutional challenge to Manitoba’s COVID public-health orders in a case presided over by Chief Justice Joyal.
Mr. Carpay declined to be interviewed by telephone, but in an e-mailed response to questions, he said he turned himself in to Calgary police on Dec. 30 when he learned there was a warrant for his arrest. He spent a night in jail before he was released. “This charge was shocking, confusing, and unexpected. The events at issue took place more than 17 months ago and law enforcement authorities have never contacted me regarding them,†he wrote.
“The Justice Centre is deeply disappointed by the decision of Winnipeg Police to lay a criminal charge for events that took place more than 18 months ago and that are already being dealt with appropriately. It is doubly disappointing that it was decided that these actions should take place during the holiday season when Mr. Carpay is spending time with his family.â€
The Justice Centre noted that its board of directors condemned Mr. Carpay’s actions at the time. It said the board “took appropriate steps to strengthen governance and oversight of the organization while Mr. Carpay took a seven-week leave of absence.â€
Mr. Carpay also faces sanctions from the legal profession. The Law Society of Manitoba has authorized charges of professional misconduct, and a disciplinary hearing has been set for February. Those charges include undermining public respect for the administration of justice, and a breach of integrity.
In October, 2021, the Manitoba churches represented by the Justice Centre lost their case. Chief Justice Joyal ruled that Manitoba’s temporary ban on in-person religious services and severe limits on other gatherings, including protests, were reasonable public-health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore lawful.
Mr. Carpay has been charged with intimidation of a justice system participant, and with attempting to obstruct justice. The charges follow an investigation by the major crimes unit of the Winnipeg Police that found Mr. Carpay hired the private investigator while he was in the process of bringing a high-profile constitutional challenge to Manitoba’s COVID public-health orders in a case presided over by Chief Justice Joyal.
Mr. Carpay declined to be interviewed by telephone, but in an e-mailed response to questions, he said he turned himself in to Calgary police on Dec. 30 when he learned there was a warrant for his arrest. He spent a night in jail before he was released. “This charge was shocking, confusing, and unexpected. The events at issue took place more than 17 months ago and law enforcement authorities have never contacted me regarding them,†he wrote.
“The Justice Centre is deeply disappointed by the decision of Winnipeg Police to lay a criminal charge for events that took place more than 18 months ago and that are already being dealt with appropriately. It is doubly disappointing that it was decided that these actions should take place during the holiday season when Mr. Carpay is spending time with his family.â€
The Justice Centre noted that its board of directors condemned Mr. Carpay’s actions at the time. It said the board “took appropriate steps to strengthen governance and oversight of the organization while Mr. Carpay took a seven-week leave of absence.â€
Mr. Carpay also faces sanctions from the legal profession. The Law Society of Manitoba has authorized charges of professional misconduct, and a disciplinary hearing has been set for February. Those charges include undermining public respect for the administration of justice, and a breach of integrity.
In October, 2021, the Manitoba churches represented by the Justice Centre lost their case. Chief Justice Joyal ruled that Manitoba’s temporary ban on in-person religious services and severe limits on other gatherings, including protests, were reasonable public-health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore lawful.
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