FAIR Press Release: The Gualtieri Case Is Settled

April 5, 2010 – For immediate release

OTTAWA – FAIR has been able to confirm that Joanna Gualtieri’s lawsuit against Foreign Affairs officials for harassment has been settled. Ms. Gualtieri would not provide any other information or comment.

David Kilgour, a member of FAIR’s advisory board commented “This is wonderful news. I am thrilled for Joanna, and so will be all the friends who have supported her throughout this ordeal.”

David Hutton, Executive Director of FAIR said “This is a very important development in an important case. We are still digesting the news. I’m certain that we will have more to say about the implications for other Canadian whistleblowers.”

In 1992 Ms. Gualteri began to submit reports to her bosses alleging extravagance in Foreign Affairs Department accommodations for diplomats abroad. In 1998 she launched the harassment lawsuit. In 2008 the judge ruled that government lawyers had abused the legal process by forcing Ms. Gualtieri to answer more than 10,500 questions during pre-trial discoveries, which he said had “taken on the dimensions of a public inquiry”.

David Hutton, Executive Director and David Kilgour, Advisory Board

For more information:
David Hutton, 613-567-1511
David Kilgour, 613-747-7854