Nenshi and Wenzel settle defamation suit; mayor apologizes
Posted Dec 15, 2015 5:50 pm.
Last Updated Dec 15, 2015 5:53 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and a homebuilder have settled a defamation lawsuit, ending a two-year controversy between the two.
Cal Wenzel filed the suit back in 2013, after public comments Nenshi made against him, including allegedly comparing the builder to a character in “The Godfather” movies.
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Calvin Charles Wenzel v. Naheed Kurban Nenshi
Court of Queen’s Bench Action No.: 1301-13429
During the legal process, Cal Wenzel and Mayor Nenshi have had an opportunity to discuss each other’s perspectives regarding the subject matter of the lawsuit filed by Cal Wenzel.
In response to statements made by Cal Wenzel, Mayor Nenshi reasonably concluded that there was a potential or alleged violation of election laws that required further investigation.
As a result of subsequent information, Mayor Nenshi now understands, appreciates, and states that Cal Wenzel’s actions in 2010 did not constitute a violation of elections laws that required further investigation.
Further, Mayor Nenshi did not intend to suggest that Cal Wenzel was the head of, nor a participant in, a criminal organization, or that Cal Wenzel was involved in organized criminal activity.
Consequently, Mayor Nenshi retracts and apologizes for the statements and characterizations he made about Cal Wenzel on April 24, 2013 and October 9, 2013.
To the extent Cal Wenzel made any statements that could be misinterpreted negatively against Mayor Nenshi, Cal Wenzel regrets such statements and any harm done to Mayor Nenshi’s reputation.
Mayor Nenshi has raised legitimate concerns about the effect that lawsuits against politicians can have on political discourse and public debate, namely that such lawsuits can have a chilling effect on the ability of politicians to represent their views. Cal Wenzel states that this was never his intent.
In the interests of establishing a more cordial and cooperative relationship and in focusing on the best interests of all Calgary residents, Cal Wenzel and Mayor Nenshi have agreed to settle the lawsuit and dispute between them without costs. Mayor Nenshi very much respects and honours the outstanding support that Cal Wenzel and his family have made to the community over the years.
In furtherance of the settlement, Cal Wenzel and Mayor Nenshi have agreed to maintain as confidential all terms of settlement, and to limit their public statements, and those of their counsel and agents except as may be required by law relating to Mayor Nenshi’s statements and characterizations about Cal Wenzel set out above and to any of the allegations or assertions set out in the litigation between them, to this joint press release.
