Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2022 01:30 PM
VANCOUVER - A special prosecutor says British Columbia's former clerk of the legislative assembly used public funds to enrich himself in "glaring and egregious" ways.
Brock Martland made the allegation as he began closing arguments in the Crown's case against Craig James, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud over $5,000 and three counts of breach of trust.
James's defence is expected to present its case Wednesday.
Martland says that as the most senior officer of the legislature, James held a position akin to the CEO and was responsible for financial stewardship of the institution.
He accused James of acting outside of his duties by picking up a wood splitter and trailer for the legislature and storing them at home for a year, exploiting a weakness in the system to award himself a $258,000 retirement benefit and charging souvenirs to the public purse.
Martland says public trust in government officials is a critical part of a functioning democracy, and he alleged that James violated that trust.
"This case is about trust, specifically the public trust that we place in government officials," Martland told the court on Tuesday.
"Our position is that the public trust was violated repeatedly and extensively by Craig James."
There are currently 1,975 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. 195 individuals are currently hospitalized, 47 of whom are in intensive care. It's the first time we've had fewer than 2000 active cases since Oct. 22. Fewest in ICU since Nov. 12.
Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan says recent results of a technical assessment determined that immediate action is necessary to remove fuel from the vessel in order to protect Nootka Sound.
Mike Farnworth, who is also the solicitor general, says Health Canada requires licensed cultivators to test cannabis to make sure it's fit for consumption, but little is known about the quality of illicit cannabis products and production.
Hasan Savehilaghi, president of Yellow London Taxi, said one the company's drivers was having a cigarette and a coffee next to his car in an empty strip mall parking lot on Sunday night when a black pickup truck came screeching to a halt directly behind his vehicle.
Manitobans who get a COVID-19 vaccine could also get a six-figure cash injection in their wallets. The provincial government is offering cash prizes of $100,000 and $25,000 scholarships in an effort to persuade more people to geta shot.
The RCMP began enforcing a British Columbia court injunction ordering the removal of blockades and protesters at several sites on May 17. Of those arrested Monday at an encampment area near Port Renfrew, 11 have been charged with breaching the injunction, and two for obstruction.
