Justice for Veterans Legal Fund

Sean and the Justice for Veterans Legal Fund Team solemnly promise that any donations in excess of the legal costs will be 100% dedicated to establishing a new veterans' foundation, the details of which will be announced once these legal battles settle. 

REMEMBER: You can donate ANONYMOUSLY on GoFundMe and you don't have to include a tip. If you don't feel comfortable donating on GoFundMe, see bottom of page to donate directly to the Legal firm of Paul Champ.


Why help?

I am fighting for the freedom of expression of all veterans, journalists, and other Canadians.

Please, I need your help to fight on their behalf.

For the past 20 years I have called government to account in its mistreatment of disabled veterans and their families. Recently, when I wrote about the unfairness in the upcoming Pension For Life  programs in The Hill Times  (Sean's article here) , Minister of Veterans Affairs, Seamus O’ Regan, rather than debating the facts, instead took the low road to attack my reputation and credibility (Minister's article here ).

Accusing a journalist of "stating mistruths" cuts to the core of any journalist's professional credibility. By attacking me, he sent a strong message to others, especially veterans, who would question government's treatment of veterans.

I was left no option but to sue the Minister for defamation (Sean's claim here) . If government could silence me, then government could bully so many others into silence.

Next Steps?

The government recently won a ruling to dismiss my lawsuit by using an obscure law, ironically, meant to protect little guys from big guys.  This was likely the first time a big player used it to silence a little player. 

We believe the justice who heard the case erred on all counts (Decision here)   . Our notice of appeal filed by renowned and highly respected human rights lawyer Paul Champ , demonstrates this (Notice of Appeal here).

We therefore have good chances for the Ontario Court of Appeals to overturn the dismissal. Then we can go ahead and put Minister Seamus O'Regan on the stand to explain why he ignored his own department's advice on multiple occasions  informing him and/or his staff that my article was largely correct and accurate (internal emails to be posted soon).

Even though he ignored his own government's advice, his legal bill is paid for by the same government system. 

Why Small Claims Court? 

Initially, I self-represented in small claims court because I wished to set an example for the little guy like other disabled veterans and freelance journalists. They too can stand up to government intimidation in the informal setting of small claims court.

We also aren't out to make a fortune. We wish to make a strong statement:
unacceptable actions by politicians and bureaucrats must have consequences. 

We kept our claim at $25,000. In Ontario, all claims $25,000 or less must be heard in small claims court. 

Who is Sean Bruyea?

As a disabled veteran from the first Gulf War, I have overcome many obstacles beyond my own symptoms (CBC article here)  .

I have spent the last 20 years dedicated to shining a light on government’s mistreatment of some of our most vulnerable and marginalized Canadian citizens: disabled veterans and their families (link to Sean's 110+ published articles here ) .

I have suffered consequences in his fight on behalf of  others. Nevertheless,  I did not and will not give up (Privacy Violations here and Sean's successful claim -also represented by Paul Champ-here) 

Silence has never been an option for me when I witness such injustices.

Together we can defend our freedom of expression against the attacks from Ministers and government that have forgotten that together we are democracy and each of us deserves dignity and respect.


Any help, social media sharing, or advice is welcome...and much appreciated.  

Donations do not have to include a tip to Gofundme and can be made anonymously.

If you feel uncomfortable donating here, please contact Paul Champ and arrange to donate to his office.

[email redacted]   to arrange for e-transfer or other form of payment

(613) [phone redacted]

Paul Champ
43 Florence St,
Ottawa, ON
K2P 0W6

Mail: Cheques can be made out to "ChampLaw, in trust” or “Champ & Associates, in trust” 
Please write Bruyea v. O’Regan in the memo piece