ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Former Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams is suing the Telegram daily newspaper in St. John's for defamation.
Williams says in a statement of claim that an editorial published Sept. 19 wrongly implies that he influenced St. John's city councillors.
At issue was a closed-door council decision to spend $700,000 over two years to defray costs for the St. John's IceCaps hockey team to keep playing in St. John's.
Williams is president and CEO of the American Hockey League team and farm club for the Winnipeg Jets.
The Telegram editorial under the heading "Buying Influence" called the decision involving the IceCaps and city council a "rental subsidy agreement" and said the IceCaps made election donations to most city councillors.
Williams' statement of claim contains allegations not proven in court.
Steve Bartlett, managing editor of the Telegram, declined comment as the matter is before the courts.
