Northlands changes statement of defence

Northlands is removing controversial wording from a statement of defence that surfaced in a civil suit centred on a 13-year-old girl’s alleged sexual assault on the organization’s property in 2008.

Advocates blasted the organization this week after the legal document said the victim’s “contributory negligence” was to blame for the attack.

The woman, now in her 20s, is suing Northlands, North American Midway Entertainment, and the estate of a dead man who she claims sexually assaulted her in July 2008 during K-Days, which was then called the Capital Ex.

None of the allegations have been proven in court, and Northlands and North American Midway deny most of the claims.

In a video statement posted online, Lisa Holmes, vice-president of corporate development at Northlands, said the organization was not aware of the wording until CBC reported on it earlier this week.

She said it was “troubling” for the board and staff at Northlands.

“We would like to emphasize that certain portions of the statement of defence that were released are in no way an indication of our stance on this issue and they do not align with Northlands’ organizational values that we engage in on a day to day to basis,” Holmes said.

“As a result of this the official statement of defence in this case is being amended with the removal of paragraph 10 which thereby removes the specific reference to the use (of the words) contributory negligence.

“We believe victims of sexual assault are never to be blamed and they should be treated with respect and dignity.”

Holmes said Northlands’ insurance company hired a team of lawyers to act on its behalf after the lawsuit was filed earlier this year.

She said the company did not review the statement of defence issued by the insurance company.