National

Longtime Duffy Friend Expected To Continue To Testify At Fraud Trial Today

The Canadian Press, 23 Nov, 2015 11:04 AM

OTTAWA — A close friend of Mike Duffy is expected to continue his testimony today at the senator's fraud trial.

Over three years Gerald Donohue took in roughly $65,000 in taxpayer money for a variety of contracts, directing the money through a firm owned by his wife and son.

He also signed several cheques on behalf of the firm to other individuals and companies that Duffy wanted paid for Senate work, including an intern, a makeup artist and speechwriters.

Prosecutors tried several times this year to call Donohue as a witness, but poor health continually postponed his appearance at the trial and he testified last week via video link from his home.

They allege the contracts awarded to Donohue were used as a slush fund for Duffy to pay for services that wouldn't be approved by the Senate.

Duffy's defence team has said repeatedly that while the payment system was unusual, it wasn't criminal.

Duffy has pleaded not guilty to 31 counts of fraud, breach of trust and bribery.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

One Man Critically Injured In Targeted Shooting In B.C.'s North Okanagan

A 55-year-old man remains in hospital with critical gunshot wounds after an attack near Enderby, B.C.

One Man Critically Injured In Targeted Shooting In B.C.'s North Okanagan

Liberal Wave Reaches Metro Vancouver As Rest Of B.C. Splits Along Party Lines

The map of election winners in British Columbia mirrored the political spectrum after Monday's election — NDP on the left, Conservatives on the right and Liberals down the middle.

Liberal Wave Reaches Metro Vancouver As Rest Of B.C. Splits Along Party Lines

19 Indian-Canadians Elected To Canadian Parliament

The Indian-Canadians more than doubled their representation in the Canadian parliament from eight to 19 as Canadians voted out the Conservative Party by handing out a landslide to the Liberal Party on Monday.

19 Indian-Canadians Elected To Canadian Parliament

Justin Trudeau Emerges As Political Force In Own Right, Out From Father's Shadow

OTTAWA — It seems somehow fitting that the son of the man who first fired up political passion in Stephen Harper should be the person to usher him out of politics.

Justin Trudeau Emerges As Political Force In Own Right, Out From Father's Shadow

In D.C. Bar, Canadians Involved In Foreign Affairs Cheer End Of The Harper Era

It was a scene of cheers, high-fives, and sighs of relief about the demise of a Harper-era foreign policy they'd disdained for a decade, often in silence.

In D.C. Bar, Canadians Involved In Foreign Affairs Cheer End Of The Harper Era

Justin Trudeau Begins Healing Process After Divisive Election Campaign

MONTREAL — Justin Trudeau used his maiden speech as prime minister-designate to start the healing process for wounds torn open during a divisive election campaign.