Shuttered Alberta political web series to remain dark over weekend

Citizen journalist Nate Pike is the host of the Alberta political podcast The Breakdown. (CTV News)

An Alberta political web series temporarily shut down by a court order will remain dark a few days longer.

Nate Pike’s The Breakdown was ordered to turn its lights off for two weeks following complaints by MHCare and its Edmonton-based CEO, Sam Mriache.

The two weeks were up Friday, with the matter appearing in court for appeal and to figure out how to proceed.

But the presiding justice was not prepared to make a decision Friday, nor was she willing to order Pike to remain offline while she took the weekend to mull what she’d heard from both sides.

It was Pike who untied the court’s hands, noting through his counsel that it would take until roughly 10 a.m. Monday to get himself back online.

The matter will return to court Monday at 9 a.m. for the justice’s decision.

The order follows a $6-million lawsuit filed late last year by the same company over reporting done by the series and Pike.

Over multiple episodes, Pike alleged MHCare was awarded two controversial contracts from the province he believes were sole-sourced, and that Mraiche later invited multiple politicians into a free VIP box for Edmonton Oilers playoff hockey games.

In an affidavit, Mriache claims, “The consequent hate that I am receiving from (The Breakdown’s) readers, listeners and/or followers, as well as the threats made against myself and MHCare, have caused me to be extremely fearful for my safety, my family’s safety and safety of the employees and agents of MHCare and their families.”

Discussed at Friday’s hearing was use of the term “Tylenot” in relation to the troubled Turkish acetaminophen deal, as well as allegations of improprieties pertaining to it and other contracts.

Pike’s counsel maintains fair comment.

The other side maintains defamation.

With files by Timm Bruch