Close X
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Ottawa sues law firm for alleged legal fee fraud in residential schools case

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Jan, 2015 02:49 PM

    REGINA — The federal government is suing a Saskatchewan law firm, alleging lawyers fraudulently over billed for their work with victims of Indian residential schools.

    In a statement of claim not yet proven in court, the government says an audit shows the Merchant Law Group claimed tens of millions of dollars in work time entries that were inflated, duplicated or made up.

    The suit says some individual lawyers even billed for more than 24 hours of work in a single day.

    The firm says in a statement that the allegations are groundless and the government is avoiding paying its bill.

    The Regina-based law group was one of several that was to receive legal fees after a $5-billion settlement between Ottawa and residential school survivors in 2005.

    The firm originally claimed $80 million in fees and the courts ordered the government to pay $25 million until the cost could be verified.

    The firm also filed a lawsuit this week demanding the government pay what it owes.

    It says the verification process shows the firm should get $15 million on top of the $25 million it previously received.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Legendary Canadian Figure Skater Toller Cranston Dies From Apparent Heart Attack

    Legendary Canadian Figure Skater Toller Cranston Dies From Apparent Heart Attack
    Toller Cranston, a larger-than-life star on and off the ice who helped revolutionize the sport, died at his home in Mexico from an apparent heart attack, a Skate Canada spokesperson said Saturday.

    Legendary Canadian Figure Skater Toller Cranston Dies From Apparent Heart Attack

    NHL Announces That World Cup Of Hockey Will Return Next Year In Toronto

    NHL Announces That World Cup Of Hockey Will Return Next Year In Toronto
    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The World Cup of Hockey is back with a new format as the NHL seeks to create the best tournament in the world to launch a series of new international events.

    NHL Announces That World Cup Of Hockey Will Return Next Year In Toronto

    Alberta Premier Pledges $20 Million To Fast-track Flood Claims From 2013

    Alberta Premier Pledges $20 Million To Fast-track Flood Claims From 2013
    HIGH RIVER, Alta. — The Alberta government is providing an extra $20 million to fast-track the remaining claims from the province's 2013 floods.

    Alberta Premier Pledges $20 Million To Fast-track Flood Claims From 2013

    Canadian Man Pleads Not Guilty To Aiding Suicide Attack That Killed US Soldiers

    Canadian Man Pleads Not Guilty To Aiding Suicide Attack That Killed US Soldiers
    NEW YORK — A Canadian man pleaded not guilty Saturday to U.S. charges that he sent money and provided other long-distance support to Tunisian jihadists believed responsible for a 2009 suicide attack in Iraq that killed five American soldiers.

    Canadian Man Pleads Not Guilty To Aiding Suicide Attack That Killed US Soldiers

    Missing Snowboarder Found After Three Nights In Backcountry In Whistler

    Missing Snowboarder Found After Three Nights In Backcountry In Whistler
      WHISTLER, B.C. — A missing snowboarder has been found in good condition after spending three nights in the backcountry in Whistler, B.C.

    Missing Snowboarder Found After Three Nights In Backcountry In Whistler

    Former CBC host Jo-Ann Roberts Seeks Federal Green Party Nomination In Victoria

    Former CBC host Jo-Ann Roberts Seeks Federal Green Party Nomination In Victoria
    VICTORIA — A former CBC radio host hopes to take her fight for the embattled public broadcaster all the way to Parliament Hill.

    Former CBC host Jo-Ann Roberts Seeks Federal Green Party Nomination In Victoria