TRU VP files civil claim alleging malicious defamation by whistleblowers, defendants launch fundraiser

Thompson Rivers University VP of Finance and Administration Matt Milovick has reportedly launched a notice of civil claim against eight former and current TRU employees alleging malicious defamation. Castanet reports that TRU launched an investigation into allegations against Milovick and Larry Phillips in 2021, after which Milovick was cleared of all 22 allegations of misconduct. Kamloops This Week states that Milovick is now seeking damages from the defendants and a permanent injunction against the publication of defamatory statements. The eight defendants have launched a fundraiser to help cover the legal bills associated with the lawsuit. “We participated in the investigation in good faith, and in the hopes of creating a better university,” said former TRU human resources director Amanda Ellison. “We deny all of the allegations in this suit.”