Legal novice asks judge to remove herself in challenge of Muskrat Falls

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – The Newfoundland man who is challenging the Muskrat Falls hydro megaproject has asked the judge hearing the case to remove herself.

Brad Cabana, a political blogger and small businessman, is arguing in provincial Supreme Court that the $7.7-billion project in Labrador should be stopped.

Judge Gillian Butler is hearing his claims that the province unjustly denied residents a say on the development through a referendum.

But today, Cabana asked Butler to recuse herself from the case because she is married to a senior partner with a St. John’s law firm that’s representing former premier Danny Williams.

Cabana is embroiled in a defamation lawsuit and countersuit with Williams.

Butler says she knew nothing of the case and that Cabana’s request was a complete surprise to her.

Court was briefly adjourned while the judge checked on the status of the case.