NCC sues Rideau Hall assailant for damage to gate

A policeman stands guard at one of the entrances to Rideau Hall (archives).

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is suing Corey Hurren for thousands of dollars to cover the cost of repairing the barrier he damaged with his van when he stormed the grounds of Rideau Hall, on July 2, 2020.

According to a statement of claim filed in the Ontario Superior Court last week, the NCC – which is responsible for the official residences in Ottawa – is asking $350,000 to repair the barrier and surrounding property, plus $100,000 in punitive and exemplary damages.

Corey Hurren is currently serving a six-year sentence, plus time already served, for ramming the gates of Rideau Hall and crossing the grounds on foot with loaded firearms.

The former Canadian Armed Forces reservist, frustrated by federal government restrictions related to COVID-19 and assault weapons, told police he wanted to arrest Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.< /p>

News of the lawsuit was first reported by Frank magazine.

The NCC, which retained the services of the law firm Conway Baxter Wilson LLP, stated in its application that the damage to Rideau Hall property was attributable to Mr. Hurren's negligence.

He created a situation of danger and urgency, it is indicated. As a result of the collision, the property was heavily damaged and required extensive repairs.

A spokesperson for the NCC declined to comment further on the situation, citing pending legal action.

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Last year, Mr. Hurren pleaded guilty to a total of eight counts, seven of which relate to the use of firearms. fire, including for possession of firearms for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.

The Manitoba resident also pleaded guilty to one count of mischief causing damage to the Rideau Hall gate.

The court found learned that Mr. Hurren, who had lost his business during the pandemic and was ineligible for the emergency benefit, had told police during his arrest that he felt betrayed by his government.

At the time of sentencing, Judge Robert Wadden characterized the July 2, 2020 incident as an assault with a weapon against the government, which must be spoken out in the strongest possible terms .

Corey Hurren carried out a politically motivated armed attack in an effort to intimidate Canada's elected government, he said.

The man is serving his sentence at Joyceville Institution, located near Kingston, Ontario.

With information from Catharine Tunney, from