National

Arguments Over Evidence Puts Duffy Trial On Pause Until Next Week

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Apr, 2015 11:23 AM

OTTAWA — Mike Duffy's trial has been put on pause while lawyers argue over the admissibility of a Senate report.

Justice Charles Vaillancourt will hear arguments Monday in what is called a voir dire, basically a mini-trial within the main trial.

Donald Bayne, the suspended senator's lawyer, wants to treat a 2010 Senate committee report as fact during the course of the trial.

The report was based on an audit of senators' office expenditures and service contracts.

The Crown does not want the report treated as fact, but rather as opinion — an important distinction when the judge later reviews all the evidence laid out in the trial.

The unplanned break further delays the fraud, breach of trust and bribery trial, which is already expected to exceed its 41-day schedule by weeks.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Alaska Requests Greater Involvement In Oversight Of Large B.C. Gold Mine

VANCOUVER - The state of Alaska has taken the rare step of asking the Canadian government for greater involvement in the approval and regulation of a controversial mine in northwestern British Columbia amid growing concern that the project could threaten American rivers and fish.

Alaska Requests Greater Involvement In Oversight Of Large B.C. Gold Mine

Russia's growing military presence in the Arctic a concern to Harper

FORT SMITH, N.W.T. - Russia's growing military presence in the Arctic is a concern and Canada should not get complacent about it, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Friday during the second leg of his annual northern tour.

Russia's growing military presence in the Arctic a concern to Harper

'Harassment, bullying continues in RCMP'

VANCOUVER - Harassment and bullying hasn't been stamped out inside the RCMP workplace despite high-level assurances that action would be taken, says a Liberal MP who has met with dozens of Mounties.

'Harassment, bullying continues in RCMP'

Clean gutters can help roof longevity but sweeping not always recommended

Roofs are one of the most important features of a house, and one of the most expensive, which is why homeowners look to prolong the life of their roof with maintenance. But some maintenance may actually damage it.

Clean gutters can help roof longevity but sweeping not always recommended

Ammonia leak in Mission forces brief closure of highway, rail and river

Hazardous materials crews in B.C.'s Fraser Valley faced a tense situation early Friday morning when a cloud of ammonia gas spewed from a food processing plant.

Ammonia leak in Mission forces brief closure of highway, rail and river

Cascade Aerospace's striking workers vote in favour of 4-yr pact, return Monday

Unionized workers at Cascade Aerospace will return to work on Monday after voting to accept a new four-year contract that contains wage increases and improved job security clauses, among other things.