LSUC hearings involving former B.C. lobbyist start today

A law graduate caught up in British Columbia’s long-running railway scandal will be before the Law Society of Upper Canada today seeking permission to practise law.

Erik Bornmann had been a lobbyist working for U.S. railway company OmniTRAX Inc., according to a B.C. Supreme Court judgment in R. v. Basi in 2009. At the time, the provincial government was seeking to sell BC Rail, a matter that led to corruption and fraud charges against ministerial aides Dave Basi and Bobby Virk. Basi had been executive assistant to then-finance minister Gary Collins, while Virk did the same job for former transportation minister Judith Reid.

According to the Vancouver Sun, Bornmann made about $28,000 in regular payments to Basi. In return, Basi leaked confidential information to Bornmann about the bidding for BC Rail that eventually led to a $1-billion privatization deal with CN Rail. Bornmann worked for Pilothouse Public Affairs, the company that represented OmniTrax.

Bornmann eventually became a key Crown witness in the proceedings against Basi and Virk in exchange for immunity. In the meantime, the accused entered guilty pleas last year following a controversial plea deal.

The LSUC proceedings involving Bornmann are set to take place today and tomorrow. According to the Sun, Bornmann finished his law degree at the University of British Columbia three years ago. The proceedings against Basi and Virk followed the infamous police raids at the B.C. legislature in late 2003.

Recent articles & video

Charter applies to self-governing First Nation’s laws, but s. 25 upholds Charter-breaching law: SCC

Ontario Superior Court rejects class action lawsuit against online travel giants

Court must 'gaze into the crystal ball' to determine loss of future earning capacity: BCCA

NS Supreme Court imputes income in child support case due to non-disclosure

Federal Court orders re-evaluation of refugee claim due to unreasonable identity verification

BC Court of Appeal upholds immunity of nurses from personal liability in medical negligence case

Most Read Articles

Canada Revenue Agency announces penalty relief for bare trusts filing late returns

Ontario Court of Appeal upholds spousal support order in 'unusual' divorce case

Ontario Superior Court awards partner share in the estate despite the absence of marriage

Developing an AI oversight system is vital for organizations: Tara Raissi at Beneva