A Calgary judge has lifted a publication ban covering legal proceedings between former Alberta justice minister Jonathan Denis and his estranged wife.
It can now be reported that the relationship between Denis and his estranged wife Breanna Palmer was the subject of an emergency protection order (EPO) review.
It had been granted on April 24 after Palmer accused Denis of physical, emotional and financial abuse.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Craig Jones revoked that order Monday, saying an EPO is an extraordinary remedy.
“I am satisfied that Ms. Palmer is not in danger of family violence and is not in need of protection,” Jones said.
During a hearing last week, Palmer alleges that Denis once kneed her in the face, that he withheld her T4s and told her that he owned all the judges and lawyers in town so there was no point in taking legal action against him.
Police called to home in April
Police were called to the couple’s home by Palmer’s friend on April 12 when Denis came home after campaigning to find his wife packed up and moving out.
That friend, Margo Anderson, testified that Denis was angry and yelling at Palmer.
When police attended, they separated the couple while Palmer and her friends packed a U-Haul. No charges were ever laid.
It was during that incident that Denis’ mother Marguerite is alleged to have locked Palmer inside his home. Marguerite Denis was also named on the EPO.
Denis told the judge he believed Palmer’s timing was carefully calculated to malign him during the election campaign and that she could have moved out at any time.
Under cross-examination, Palmer admitted to leaking the EPO to a reporter on the same day it was granted.
Outside court, Denis said it has been a tough week but that he is relieved with the outcome and looks forward to focusing on campaigning.
Pleased that the court has thrown out all of the allegations against my mother and I. Thank you for your support. Now back to campaigning!
Premier Jim Prentice asked for Denis to resign from cabinet on April 25. He has remained in the race as the Tory candidate for Calgary-Acadia.
