Nipawin Provincial Court. (file photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Aaron Schulze

threats against the PM

Nipawin man accused of threatening Trudeau pleads not guilty

Apr 24, 2019 | 2:12 PM

The Nipawin man accused of threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Parliament buildings has pleaded not guilty.

David Petersen, 52, was originally scheduled to plead guilty during his latest appearance in Nipawin Provincial Court on Wednesday, but told Judge Inez Cardinal he doesn’t believe he’s guilty of the charges.

Petersen was charged after RCMP said in a release that threats of shooting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and blowing up the Parliament buildings were allegedly made during a call to an employee at a Canadian government agency on Feb. 12.

In court, Petersen said Trudeau’s name came up during the phone call with a Canadian government agency worker but said he didn’t feel he was threatening Trudeau’s life or safety.

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The reason Petersen initially wanted to plead guilty was to – in his words – no longer waste the time of provincial court. He also said his personal life has been affected since the charges were laid.

Cardinal told Petersen he should have his trial if he believes he’s not guilty.

Crown Prosecutor Tyla Olenchuk said the Crown has three witnesses for the trial, including the Canadian government agency worker who will appear via video from Winnipeg and an RCMP officer.

Petersen’s trial is set for Sept. 4 in Nipawin.

Nipawin RCMP officers arrested Petersen on Feb. 27, but released him from custody after it was determined he had no intent to carry out the alleged threats.

Petersen elected to defend himself during his first court appearance on March 6. Police said there has been no contact between Petersen and Trudeau.

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aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow