Mayor Sues Metro Over Defamation Claim | Vancouver News

Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart is suing Metro Vancouver for defamation, claiming they smeared his reputation during a probe into a data breach involving sensitive wastewater documents. He says the investigation unfairly targeted him and damaged his career, seeking damages for lost income, emotional distress, and reputational harm. Metro Vancouver fiercely denies wrongdoing, calling the lawsuit frivolous and demanding special costs, insisting Stewart failed to protect confidential materials and breached his oath. The controversy began in January 2022 when privileged files were shared with board members — including Stewart — after his city manager gave access to his login, allegedly allowing a contractor’s employee to photograph documents at home. An internal probe concluded Stewart didn’t adequately investigate the leak, leading the board to vote against reappointing him — a move Stewart claims was defamatory. Metro Vancouver stands by its findings, arguing such internal reports aren’t grounds for defamation. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c561ddcd1a4c1f00