Editor’s Note: This story has been updated following a Feb, 23, 2019 ruling from Justice John D. Rooke which determined there was no basis for the allegations against Jonathan Denis from his former wife Breanna Palmer. Justice Rooke also ruled Breanna Palmer “lied to the court” and that there was no evidence to support her allegations of spousal abuse by Denis.
A public dispute between former Alberta justice minister Jonathan Denis and his ex-wife, Breanna Palmer, continued this week following the release of emails Denis claimed were written by Palmer that cleared his name. But Palmer calls the emails “false statements” and suggests they shows the “psychological and emotional abuse” women suffer when they stand up for themselves.
Denis told Global News he has made his “final comments on the matter” when asked about Palmer’s most recent statement.
READ MORE: Former Alberta politician Jonathan Denis’ ex-wife denies writing emails in public dispute
Palmer had accused Denis of kneeing her in the face, tampering with brakes on her car and throwing temper tantrums during last year’s provincial election. On April 11, he released what he said were two emails from Palmer’s email address, saying she regretted her actions.
“Jonathan Denis has never intentionally harmed me and I have never known him to use or possess illegal drugs,” said the emails. “I withdraw all allegations that I have made against Jonathan Denis about abuse or otherwise.”
Palmer said the release of emails by Denis claiming she’s withdrawn allegations of past abuse is “fabricated by someone other than myself and is untrue.”
“Someone tried to take my voice away by circulating false statements within the national media,” Palmer said in a statement sent to Global News Tuesday. “This fabricated claim demonstrates the psychological and emotional abuse that can happen to women when they stand up for themselves. I have been abused by Jonathan Denis and I stand by that statement.”
“My phone and my computer have been made available to the RCMP to prove that email did not come from me and they have begun their investigation, in partner with the Calgary Police Service.”
Calgary Police Service said Thursday its officers are not investigating the case, and directed emails to the RCMP.
READ MORE: Judge lifts restraining order against former justice minister Jonathan Denis
Palmer’s statement directed media to contact Tofino RCMP Sgt. Blaine Mumford for questions on police involvement, who was quoted in media reports as confirming an investigation was underway related to Palmer’s complaint. Mumford did not respond to a request from Global News.
BC RCMP Sgt. Rob Vermeulen declined to provide confirmation, writing in an email to Global News: “the RCMP does not typically divulge whether investigations are ongoing unless; charges have been laid, or if public information is sought in order to advance an investigation, or should investigational findings indicate a public safety risk to the public.”
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The scandal started last May, days before the election, when former premier Jim Prentice asked Denis to resign from cabinet because of a legal dispute with his wife.
READ MORE: Prentice has ‘confidence’ in Denis as PC candidate despite resignation from cabinet
A judge later lifted a publication ban that had kept details of the dispute under wraps.
READ MORE: Jonathan Denis resigns as Alberta justice minister amid legal proceedings with estranged wife
With files from The Canadian Press
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