Legal Defence Fund for Dave’s Free Speech
Donation protected
My name is Dave Beninger.
I am being sued by former conservative MLA in Alberta for $450,000+.
When I was first sued for this almost four years ago in the summer of 2015, I was a full time University student with a huge student loan. I tried to get a lawyer, but quickly realized I could not afford one. I have filed my own statement of defence, and given testimony. I have never seen a judge, and am now being told it might not even happen until 2020 or later!
I am emotionally drained by having this figurative dark cloud over my head, it is the only legal problem I have ever had, I want it to go away. This experience with the law has been very eye opening - how anyone can sue anyone for anything, and we are expected to find lawyers that cost $1,000s and may not even get that money back, even if a judge does find we did nothing wrong. I have done nothing wrong, and don’t have the money to defend myself against this attempt at intimidation.
Please help with a donation if you are able, or share my story in your network if you want to help but can’t donate at this time.
I feel this whole thing has been an attempt to intimidate me because I have been a progressive advocate in Alberta.
Timeline of Events:
June 2015: I am sued, along with CBC, Wildrose Party, some journalists, some politicians, and another political commentator like myself.
June 2015: I file my statement of defence in Edmonton. I have to drive up from my home in Calgary, because this matter is Edmonton based even though I don’t live there.
June 2016: I drive up to Edmonton (again) and do my Questioning with the court reporter there typing up my statements.
Today: Told by the other side’s lawyer that I won’t see a Judge until 2020 at the earliest, I am tired after four years of this. I want a lawyer to have my best interests at heart and take care of this matter.
You can read more background about my situation in this CBC article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/david-xiao-former-tory-mla-sues-cbc-wildrose-and-political-commentators-1.3106957
Those who know me, know I have dedicated a lot of my time to amplifying progressive voices in Alberta. I truly believe if I had not been a strong voice in progressive Alberta politics, I would have never been sued in the first place.
This lawsuit is a clear attempt at intimidation, to silence me from continuing to be a progressive voice in Alberta politics.
I was quoted $4,000 for a junior lawyer to work on my case for me.
I know times are tough for a lot of folks right now, so if you are unable to make a donation at this time please consider sharing my story with your network.
If I manage to raise more funds than my legal defence in this case requires, I will hold on to the excess funds for any future lawsuits that arise as consequence of mine, or others, political participation.
Thank you so much for your support.
In solidarity,
-db
I am being sued by former conservative MLA in Alberta for $450,000+.
When I was first sued for this almost four years ago in the summer of 2015, I was a full time University student with a huge student loan. I tried to get a lawyer, but quickly realized I could not afford one. I have filed my own statement of defence, and given testimony. I have never seen a judge, and am now being told it might not even happen until 2020 or later!
I am emotionally drained by having this figurative dark cloud over my head, it is the only legal problem I have ever had, I want it to go away. This experience with the law has been very eye opening - how anyone can sue anyone for anything, and we are expected to find lawyers that cost $1,000s and may not even get that money back, even if a judge does find we did nothing wrong. I have done nothing wrong, and don’t have the money to defend myself against this attempt at intimidation.
Please help with a donation if you are able, or share my story in your network if you want to help but can’t donate at this time.
I feel this whole thing has been an attempt to intimidate me because I have been a progressive advocate in Alberta.
Timeline of Events:
June 2015: I am sued, along with CBC, Wildrose Party, some journalists, some politicians, and another political commentator like myself.
June 2015: I file my statement of defence in Edmonton. I have to drive up from my home in Calgary, because this matter is Edmonton based even though I don’t live there.
June 2016: I drive up to Edmonton (again) and do my Questioning with the court reporter there typing up my statements.
Today: Told by the other side’s lawyer that I won’t see a Judge until 2020 at the earliest, I am tired after four years of this. I want a lawyer to have my best interests at heart and take care of this matter.
You can read more background about my situation in this CBC article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/david-xiao-former-tory-mla-sues-cbc-wildrose-and-political-commentators-1.3106957
Those who know me, know I have dedicated a lot of my time to amplifying progressive voices in Alberta. I truly believe if I had not been a strong voice in progressive Alberta politics, I would have never been sued in the first place.
This lawsuit is a clear attempt at intimidation, to silence me from continuing to be a progressive voice in Alberta politics.
I was quoted $4,000 for a junior lawyer to work on my case for me.
I know times are tough for a lot of folks right now, so if you are unable to make a donation at this time please consider sharing my story with your network.
If I manage to raise more funds than my legal defence in this case requires, I will hold on to the excess funds for any future lawsuits that arise as consequence of mine, or others, political participation.
Thank you so much for your support.
In solidarity,
-db
Organizer
Dave Beninger
Organizer
Calgary, AB
