Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

PM could be called as witness in Duffy trial: lawyer

Darpan News Desk Canadian Press, 16 Sep, 2014 10:57 AM

    OTTAWA - Mike Duffy's lawyer says he isn't going to rule out calling anyone — including Prime Minister Stephen Harper — as a witness in the suspended senator's upcoming trial.

    "We're considering any potential witness," Donald Bayne said Tuesday after a brief court appearance.

    "At this point, it's too early to rule anything out. But please understand, this isn't being run as a personal or political vendetta."

    In July, the RCMP charged the former Conservative senator with 31 counts related to his Senate expense claims.

    The charges include fraud, breach of trust and bribery.

    Bayne says he hopes to skip a preliminary hearing and set a trial date for the senator at another court meeting next week. He and Crown attorney Jason Newbauer will talk this week about how soon Duffy's trial can begin.

    "This will be his first opportunity for a complete airing of all the evidence before an impartial tribunal and his opportunity to clear his name, to show that he's guilty of no wrongdoing," Bayne said.

    The one big question on everyone's mind is how much the prime minister knew about the secret $90,000 payment made by his former chief of staff Nigel Wright to cover Duffy's contested Senate expenses.

    The prime minister has said on many occasions he knew nothing about the plan to pay Duffy's expenses.

    Bayne insists the case won't turn into a political sideshow.

    "This isn't a political case. This is a criminal case. It's going to be conducted professionally," Bayne said.

    "The very strong judiciary in the Ontario Court of Justice will not allow this case to be turned into a political circus and we certainly don't intend to conduct the matter that way."

    That said, Bayne acknowledged Duffy's case "absolutely" could go to trial before the next federal election, set for Oct. 19, 2015. The trial itself could last between six and eight weeks, he said.

    The senator's poor health should be taken into account when setting a trial date, Bayne added.

    "You know he's had two open-heart surgeries," he said. "So part of our concern ... is his physical and emotional and mental health."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Catering CEO, Desmond Hague, resigns amid allegations of animal abuse in B.C.

    Catering CEO, Desmond Hague, resigns amid allegations of animal abuse in B.C.
    VANCOUVER - A man alleged to have abused a dog while being video taped in a Vancouver hotel elevator has resigned from his post as CEO of a high-profile catering company.

    Catering CEO, Desmond Hague, resigns amid allegations of animal abuse in B.C.

    Reports contradict PM's view on aboriginal women victims

    Reports contradict PM's view on aboriginal women victims
    Dozens of federal, provincial and community studies compiled by the Conservative government appear to contradict the prime minister's contention that the problem of missing and murdered aboriginal women isn't a "sociological phenomenon."

    Reports contradict PM's view on aboriginal women victims

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark Urges Teachers' Union To Suspend Strike, Resume Talks

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark Urges Teachers' Union To Suspend Strike, Resume Talks
    VANCOUVER - British Columbia Premier Christy Clark is urging the province's teachers' union to suspend its strike and get back to the bargaining table so students can start school.

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark Urges Teachers' Union To Suspend Strike, Resume Talks

    Lawyer asks court to overturn Robert Latimer's travel restrictions

    Lawyer asks court to overturn Robert Latimer's travel restrictions
    VANCOUVER - The lawyer for Robert Latimer says his client should be allowed to travel outside Canada.

    Lawyer asks court to overturn Robert Latimer's travel restrictions

    'Street-messaging' system for homeless could save lives: community group

    'Street-messaging' system for homeless could save lives: community group
    A non-profit Vancouver group says a new text-messaging system that gets information to homeless people could potentially save lives.

    'Street-messaging' system for homeless could save lives: community group

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark Wades Into Ongoing Teachers' Dispute Via Facebook Post

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark Wades Into Ongoing Teachers' Dispute Via Facebook Post
    VANCOUVER - B.C. Premier Christy Clark is weighing in from the sidelines of social media on the government's feud with striking teachers while classes in public schools are delayed for another day.

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark Wades Into Ongoing Teachers' Dispute Via Facebook Post