Tim Hortons files suit in Kandahar coffee row

KEITH McARTHUR
globeandmail.com

Tim Hortons Inc. alleges its brand — one of the most valuable in Canada — has been damaged by “false and misleading” news coverage of its efforts to serve coffee and dutchies to soldiers in Afghanistan.

The company is suing CanWest Global Communications Corp., Standard Radio Inc. and broadcaster Bill Carroll for $105-million in general and punitive damages, over reports that Tim Hortons received almost $4-million in government subsidies to set up the Kandahar outlet.

It's unclear from the lawsuit whether the government paid anything to help set up the Kandahar franchise. And Wednesday, Tim Hortons refused to comment on whether taxpayer dollars were used.

Tim Hortons is looking for $25-million in general damages plus $10-million in punitive damages from each of CanWest, Standard and Mr. Carroll, who has a show on Toronto radio station CFRB.

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