National

Corruption charges stayed against Normandeau

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Sep, 2020 04:57 PM

A judge has granted a stay of proceedings in the case of former Quebec deputy premier Nathalie Normandeau and her co-accused on corruption-related charges.

Quebec court Judge Andre Perreault ruled today that there had been unreasonable delays in getting the case to trial.

The former provincial Liberal politician and five others were arrested in March 2016 by the province's anti-corruption unit on charges including fraud, corruption and breach of trust.

Normandeau and her co-accused argued in July that delays in the case were unreasonable, citing a 2016 Supreme Court of Canada decision that set strict timelines for trials.

Five of the original charges against Normandeau and her co-accused had already been withdrawn, but the Crown wanted to proceed to trial on three counts, including breach of trust and fraud against the government.

The ruling today puts an end to the proceedings against Normandeau, her former chief of staff Bruno Lortie, ex-Roche engineer firm officials Marc-Yvan Cote, Mario W. Martel and France Michaud as well Francois Roussy, the former mayor of Gaspe, Que.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Airbnb portal gives local governments more control

Vancouver and Calgary are among the 10 North American cities included in the new portal, which Airbnb says will also aid in rebuilding post-pandemic tourism and providing technical support.

Airbnb portal gives local governments more control

Horgan wants stability not political uncertainty

The NDP reached an agreement to govern with the Green party after the 2017 election, but Horgan says the deal started showing signs of instability in the legislature this summer.

Horgan wants stability not political uncertainty

Thousands stolen from charity in Maple Ridge

The early investigation suggests a black pickup truck might be involved as one was seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed around the time of the incident.

Thousands stolen from charity in Maple Ridge

RCMP investigating violence at anti-racism rally

Alberta Justice Minister Kaycee Madu says violence and threats of violence are unacceptable and he has urged the RCMP's commanding officer in Alberta to get to the bottom of what happened.

RCMP investigating violence at anti-racism rally

Henry says COVID-19 is here for long haul

Henry says the key will be finding the right balance as cases surge while allowing people to carry out activities like going to work and school or holding elections.

Henry says COVID-19 is here for long haul

Mail part of ElectionsBC plan for safe COVID vote

Chief electoral officer Anton Boegman says it involves measures to ensure safe voting procedures for people who want to cast ballots at polling stations and enhanced opportunities to vote by mail.