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This week I start with some Nova Scotia news - four judges have been named to new positions within the NS judiciary, the Bar Society issued a "clarification" on media coverage of Lyle Howe's Court of Appeal victory, and former Better Business Bureau President Peter Moorehouse was sentenced for child pornography offences. Nationally, several stories caught my attention. Cameron Ortis has appealed his conviction for sharing secrets with targets of Canadian intelligence investigations, Nathanial Veltman's sentencing concluded with a declaration that he engaged in "terrorism" in killing four members of a Muslim family with his truck in 2021, Trucker Convoy personality Chris Barber is suing the federal government over his accounts being frozen, and two human rights groups have dropped out of the Foreign Interference Inquiry over fears that other participants' access to information may put them in danger. I conclude with a story about pets rights in separations or divorce. British Columbia has enacted a law describing how such matters should be decided by courts when called upon to do so. This is the first law of its kind in Canada, and one that I can see being replicated in other jurisdictions.
This week saw the first court appearance of the five 2018 Canadian Junior hockey team players accused of sexual assault. I review their first appearance, and explain how the situation is being manipulated by the London Police and/or Crown, and what that means for the outlook of the case against the players. Cameron Ortis, the former Director General of the RCMP National Intelligence Coordination Centre, was sentenced to 14 years in jail after being convicted of passing on secret information to targets of Canadian intelligence officials. In Michigan, the mother of a 15-year old school shooter has been convicted of four counts of involuntary manslaughter. I discuss how that can happen, and whether that could take place in Canada. Finally, I review the Court of Appeal win for disbarred Nova Scotia lawyer Lyle Howe. Mr. Howe, a talented young lawyer, is alleging that the Bar Society engaged in malicious prosecution against him, and the Court of Appeal is allowing him to make that claim after it had been dismissed by a motions judge last year. I finish off with my pick for the Super Bowl, which should be a great game!
This week, I start by reviewing the Cameron Ortis sentencing hearing, including the intervention of Michael Kovrig, who wrote a letter in support of Ortis that brought to mind the movie 'Catch Me If You Can'. I explain why the Crown and Defense positions can sometimes be so far apart from one another. Next, I discuss the RCMP's failure to meet their year end deadline to submit a response to the recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission. Also, I review the stalled efforts to have the wrongful conviction of Glen Assoun investigated, and what SiRT should do next. The Prime Minister took another Christmas vacation to Jamaica, and is now the subject of another complaint to the Ethics Commissioner. There have been conflicting statements from the PMO and the office of the Commissioner. I review the Conflict of Interest Code to try to provide clarification. Then, I look internationally to the case brought before the International Court of Justice by the South African government, accusing Israel of genocide, looking at the merits and the politics of the allegations. Finally, I comment on the difference between Canada and the United States when it comes to elected judges (wherein I work in a Bob Dylan quote), and how that is manifesting itself in the various cases involving Donald Trump.
This week in law, the Serious Incident Response Team's interim director is busy revisiting cases - the Onslow-Belmont shooting during the NS Mass Shooting, and the wrongful conviction of Glen Assoun. The NS Court of Appeal had harsh words for Provincial Court Judge Alain Begin after Judge Begin made remarks about an accused before closing arguments, and then tried to have those comments removed from the record that would go to the Court of Appeal. After the Randy Riley not guilty verdict, the Witness Protection Plan tried to have a publication ban made retroactive, but were rightly turned down by Justice Arnold. Finally, I discuss the housing crisis, and how courts are likely to treat any efforts to remove tent encampments from public property. Also discussed in this episode, the UK hockey manslaughter charge, President Trump's efforts to be declared immune from criminal prosecution, and the Cameron Ortis guilty verdict.
Dan Stanton, former executive manager at CSIS and director, national security program, University of Ottawa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cameron Ortis was once seen as a fast-rising RCMP intelligence official. This week, he was found guilty of offering up Canadian intelligence to people for cash. How did he fall so far? What was he attempting to sell, and to whom?In the bigger picture, Ortis' trial was a first for Canada, in a year of many unprecedented national security issues. What can we learn from this trial, and from Canada's approach to national security in 2023? Are we finally getting serious about threats and how we tackle them?GUEST: Catharine Tunney, parliamentary reporter, CBC, covering national security and the RCMP
Cameron Ortis, a former RCMP intelligence official, has been found guilty of breaching secrets laws for leaking sensitive police information. Ortis says he will appeal the decision. Stephanie Carvin, an associate professor at Carleton University in Ottawa and a former national security analyst, explains the verdict.
TUNE INTO THE TOWN: MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW DEMANDS MORE FROM OTTAWA Libby Znaimer is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, Alex Blumenstein, Co-Founder of The Peak which is now part of the ZoomerMedia family, and Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth. It's Thursday time to talk about all things municipal. And zmsyornOlivia Chow is pushing back against the federal govt in the wake of the fall economic statement which had very little for Toronto. She is also unhappy with the Immigration Minister's offer of 5 million for a warming centre at the Better Living Centre. she wants to open the armories as a shelter but Ottawa is against that. Also the fallout from yesterday's explosion at the Rainbow Bridge which is still closed. CANADIANS SHOPPING HABITS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON & BLACK FRIDAY DEALS Libby Znaimer is joined by Lisa Hutcheson, a retail expert and consultant with JC Williams and Barry Choi, a personal finance expert. Black Friday is tomorrow, as always the day after American Thanksgiving and we have all been bombarded with ads proclaiming huge Black Friday savings. It comes amid predictions that most of us are cutting back on holiday spending because of high inflation and a tight economy. How to tell if a deal is really good and whether it won't be available after this sales period. WASHINGTON DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM INDIA OVER ALLEGED ASSASSINATION PLOT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Phil Gurski, President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consultants and a former strategic analyst at CSIS. We were very relieved to learn that yesterday's explosion at the Rainbow bridge was not a terrorist incident. But the Israel-Hamas war and the huge increase in hate crimes here at home have everyone on high alert. Meanwhile, a jury found Cameron Ortis guilty of espionage…and two months after Justin Trudeau accused India of killing a Canadian citizen on our soil, the US has chimed in accusing India of plotting to kill a Sikh activist in America.
Fiery crash at Niagara border kills 2, alarming Ottawa and Washington (1:46) Guest: Christian Leuprecht, Professor at the Royal Military College and Queen's University, senior fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute, author of Security. Cooperation. Governance.: The Canada-United States Open Border Paradox Ex-RCMP intelligence officer Cameron Ortis guilty of sending sensitive information to alleged criminals (14:27) Guest: Stephanie Carvin, an associate professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa How can we reduce damage from the opioid crisis in older adults, including those who suffer from chronic pain? (30:02) Guest: Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Director of Health Policy Research and Co-Chair of the National Institute on Aging An all-star lineup including Tom Cochrane announced for Gordon Lightfoot tribute concert in Toronto in May (44:35) Guest: Tom Cochrane, Canadian singer/songwriter The JFK assassination is still the focus of speculation 60 years later (59:56) Guest: Stephen Fagin, Curator, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza JFK's legacy 60 years after his assassination (1:16:23) Guest: John T. Shaw, author, JFK in the Senate: A Pathway to the Presidency
This week in law, we have seen a very unusual charge out of the United Kingdom. A hockey player has died as a result of a collision on the ice, where the skate from the opposing player hit him in the neck and ultimately led to his death. Prosecutors in the UK have charged Matt Petgrave, the other player, with manslaughter. I describe what manslaughter is supposed to mean, and how it might apply in this case. Other cases being covered this week are the closing of the Cameron Ortis trial, the Nathanial Veltman terrorism verdict, the verdict in the murder trial of U.S. cyclist Moriah Wilson, the Supreme Court of Canada's rejection of the Crown appeal of former IWK CEO Tracy Kitch, and a DUI case out of Truro where the issue of whether police can knock on a door and ask questions of the occupants. Finally, I examine the remarks of Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, who visited the southern border of the Gaza Strip. His main purpose was to put participants on notice that the ICC was watching matters closely, and were actively investigating the actions of Hamas that started the conflict.
This week saw the end of the fall sitting of the NS Legislature, with long sitting days, and a few pieces of legislation passed, as the PC government passes the halfway point of its mandate. The trial of Cameron Ortis, the former Director of the RCMP Operations Research group, a high level intelligence unit, brings to mind what would happen if Ethan Hunt or James Bond were brought to trial. Ortis is alleged to have shared secret information with money launderers, while he claims to have been trying to root out moles in the upper echelons of the RCMP. At the same time, the National Security and Intelligence Committee is looking to change the way the RCMP is structured. It is not clear that anyone with the power to make those changes is paying attention. In BC, a husband in a highly acrimonious divorce was convicted of voyeurism after his wife found a hidden camera in their bedroom. In NS, two cases involving large amounts of money stolen - in one, former investment advisor Quinton Sponagle is at risk of going to jail if he does not pay back $1.1 million stolen. In another, Dawn Ellis-Abbot is found to have stolen $3.2 million from Millbrook First Nation. Finally, I look to the appeal of the stay of proceedings involving Dr. Fashoranti, a doctor in Amherst who had been accused of sexual assault against three patients. This case raises serious question about the conduct of the crown prosecutors on the case.
Inside the trial of former RCMP intelligence director Cameron Ortis, who's facing allegations he tried to sell secrets to some of the very people police were targeting. What sensitive documents do police say Ortis exposed? For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. How are an encrypted phone dealer and international money laundering network involved? What's behind the defence's bombshell claim that Ortis was acting on foreign intel? CBC Parliamentary reporter Catharine Tunney returns to explain.
In this weekly series, I'm joined by investigative journalist Paul Palango and legal analyst Adam Rodgers to discuss Canadian stories of crime, corruption, and items of public interest. In this episode we discuss; the ongoing trial of Cameron Ortis (a former RCMP intelligence official accused of selling sensitive information) the Ontario police officer convicted of domestic violence against his ex the shocking increase of violence against cops in Canada Series Links: Join the discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sundaynight Send a voicememo to the show: https://www.nighttimepodcast.com/contact Subscribe to the show: https://link.chtbl.com/nighttime-subscribe Musical Theme: Noir Toyko by Monty Datta Social Links: Website: https://www.nighttimepodcast.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/NightTimePod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightTimePod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A former campaign manager breaks down the Manitoba election Guest: David McLaughlin, former Chief of Staff for Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and former campaign manager, Manitoba Progressive Conservatives Journo Corner: Manitoba election aftermath Guest: Richard Cloutier, co-host of The News on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg RCMP funeral/how to fight back against the spike in officer deaths? Guest: Rick Parent, a 30 year veteran of the Delta Police Department and a retired Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University Crown alleges former RCMP director Cameron Ortis was trying to sell secrets to police targets Guest: Leah West, Associate Professor of International Affairs, The Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University Toronto Blue Jays flame out again in the wildcard series Guest: Adam Laskaris, sports staff writer, Daily Hive Toronto What are the most popular baby names in Canada in 2022 Guest: Sophie Kihm, editor-in-chief, Nameberry
Seg 1: A civil war has erupted in the field of consciousness research, with over 100 researchers signing a letter criticizing the popular integrated information theory (IIT) as pseudoscience. Guest: Dr. Philip Goff, Professor of Philosophy at Durham University and Host of the Podcast “MindChat” Seg 2: View From Victoria: Is there a way to make ‘question period' more effective? We get a local look at the top political stories with the help of Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer. Seg 3: Restoring a focus on national interests may prevent Canada from becoming embroiled in international news stories in the future. Guest: David Polansky, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy and Political Theorist who writes on Geopolitics and the History of Political Thought Seg 4: Why are ride-hail drivers more likely to take risks on the road? A recent study investigated whether low income, inadequate rest, and few breaks contribute to unsafe behavior among drivers. Guest: Alexandra Lefcoe, PhD Candidate in Management of Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources at McMaster University Seg 5: The trial of Cameron Ortis, a former senior official in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police intelligence, is set to begin, marking a precedent in Canada's legal history. Guest: Dan Stanton, Director of the National Security Program at the University of Ottawa and Former Executive Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Seg 6: Scientists have used tree ring dating to uncover evidence of a massive earthquake, possibly two in succession, occurring around 1,100 years ago in the Puget Sound region of the Pacific Northwest. Guest: Dr. Harold Tobin, Professor and Paros Endowed Chair in Seismology and Geohazards in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The trial of Cameron Ortis, a former senior official in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police intelligence, is set to begin, marking a precedent in Canada's legal history. Guest: Dan Stanton, Director of the National Security Program at the University of Ottawa and Former Executive Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Where are relations between the governments of Canda and India going? Other than seemingly downward, fast. You may remember when Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. in Dundas released a special ‘Stand with Ukraine' lager last year. The local brewery and venue now wants to do more. They have announced a benefit concert on Sunday, October 15, featuring the folk/jazz band Kommuna Lux, originally from Odessa, Ukraine. Three years ago, the arrest of Cameron Ortis sent shockwaves through the Canadian intelligence community. Canada's House of Commons on Tuesday elected Greg Fergus as its new speaker, making the Liberal Party lawmaker the first Black Canadian to hold the post after the previous speaker quit over unknowingly inviting a former Nazi soldier to parliament. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Colin Craig, President the Think Tank ‘SecondStreet.org'. Charles Burton, Senior Fellow with the Centre for Advancing Canada's Interests Abroad at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Wayne Petrozzi, Professor Emeritus of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. Mark Bowden, Taproom Manager with Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University. Phil Gurski, President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, former CSIS analyst. Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and Managing Director of Abacus Data. Dr. Ian Lee, Associate Professor with the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. Scott Radley, host of the Scott Radley show and columnist with the Hamilton Spectator. Host – Scott Thompson Content Producer – William Erskine Technical/Podcast Producer – Tom McKay Podcast Co-Producer – Ben Straughan News Anchor – Dave Woodard & Jen McQueen Want to keep up with what happened in Hamilton Today? Subscribe to the podcast! https://megaphone.link/CORU8835115919
And finally, a spy story that is unfolding right now! The arrest of a senior Canadian intelligence official Cameron Ortis shook the international intelligence community. With a top secret trial, all we know is it involves allegations of stealing classified materials.
Cameron Ortis was privy to Canada's biggest national security secrets - and in a prime position to exploit them.
Once again, Leah, Jess and Mike sit down for Part II of catching up on a busy summer of national security criminal cases. They look at: the ongoing case against Cameron Ortis; a guilty plea in a terrorism case out of Kingston (did we ever figure out what that RCMP plane was doing?); and an update in the Via Rail case where the conviction of one of the accused has been successfully appealed. Finally, the gang reflects on what the events of the summer indicate about ongoing violent extremism trends in Canada.
Roy brought on Dr. Christian Leuprecht, to discuss four major stories of national and international significance. Guest: Dr. Christian Leuprecht, Professor at the Royal Military College and Queen's University, Munk Senior Fellow at the MacDonald Laurier Institute See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Perry, GNR crime expert, CEO Investigative Solutions Network Inc talks about Cameron Ortis charged under criminal code and security of information act
Just a few minutes ago, the RCMP Commissioned Brenda Lucki wrapped up a press conference about the criminal charges against Cameron Ortis, a top RCMP civilian official. Here are some of her comments… Michel Juneau- Katsuya is a former CSIS agent and Senior Manager. What does he think about what the RCMP announced today? Also, as a result of the chagres, RCMP Commisioner Brenda Lucki says no foreign allies have imposed restrictions on data-sharing with Canada after charges were filed against top intelligence official Cameron Ortis. Is that a normal response from our foreign allies? Guest: Michel Juneau-Katsuya Former CSIS agent and Senior Manager Author of 'Nest of Spies'
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Libby Znaimer is joined by Phil Gurski, President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consultants as well as a former analyst at CSIS, and Ross McLean, an expert on terrorism and security issues. The RCMP has laid 7 charges against Cameron Ortis, a very senior operative at the force. He was director general of the RCMP
Endgame Begins on SpyGate. Honest Mistake v. Nefarious Intent. Seditious perps will soon claim they were acting in good faith to protect America from the Russian Threat, even if they got a few things wrong. They'll add that "Trump is a Tyrant" as they edge closer to accountability. All total nonsense, of course. These bad people knew exactly what they were doing with their Coup. Let's hope their paper trail gives it all away. Meanwhile, we review the bogus Russian Spy Exfiltration story suddenly highlighted by CNN. Is CIA Brennan trying to get ahead of bad news? AG Barr & John Durham shaking things loose? Poor CNN unable to admit mistakes, lest they admit to Trump Winning. Plus, we look into a fascinating spy story now breaking in Canada. Why have the Canadians arrested Cameron Ortis, one of their major players in intelligence? Five Eyes involvement? And Russian Magnitsky angles too? Might be headed for Fusion GPS territory. Also, NYT comes back for more fake smearing of SCOTUS Kavanaugh. Trump supporter Conrad Black advises Trump to become a tad nicer, a tad more "presidential." Do we agree? RIP Ric Ocasek of The Cars. Time's one-way street. Hello Again. Wanna Go Back. With Listener Calls & Music via The Cars, Calvin Harris, SZA and Eddie Money. Sacred Song from Phillips, Craig & Dean. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this Monday edition I talk with Acumen Law's Kyla Lee about the RCMP's HQ Director General of the intelligence unit, Cameron Ortis who was arrested under the secrets act for alleged espionage by foreign powers. I am joined by Tom Coles, a local man who helped organize a meeting between those living in temporary living facilities in the TNRD as some are starting to receive eviction notices. I have local Mortgage Specialist Steve Bucher on to talk about BC's speculation tax and follow that conversation up with BC's Liberal Housing Critic Sam Sullivan.
The INTREPID team assembles: Stephanie hosts as Jessica Davis, Leah West and Michael Nesbitt join her for a discussion about the breaking news that a top RCMP intelligence official, Cameron Ortis, was arrested on September 13 and charged with violating the Security of Information Act (SOIA). Jess describes the kinds of information someone like Ortis would have access to and why it would be so dangerous if he committed the crimes of which he is accused. Leah and Mike discuss the rarely used SOIA and helpfully go through the charges to explain them and what it tells us about the case. Jess contemplates the damage that could be done. The group concludes by suggesting what they will be looking for as this case unfolds.
The leader of the Conservative Party of Canada jonis us as the first week of the campaign draws to a close. Guest: Andrew Scheer. CPC leader. - The SNC-Lavalin/Justin Trudeau refusing to lift cabinet confidence and allow Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott to share with Canadians and the TCMP their truth about Trudeau and PMO and demand of Wilson-Raybould that she intervene with the federal prosecution service to save SNC from facing a criminal charge in court. Guest: Professor Donald Savoi. Canada Research Chair in Public Administration an Governance at the University of Moncton. - With the first weekend of federal election campaign on us, how does IPSOS Public Affairs assess the current mood of Canadian voters and the appeal of the various political parties? Vice president of IPSOS Public Affairs explains. Guest: Sean Simpson. VP. IPSOS Public Affairs. - Felicity Huffman, of Desperate Housewives, just became the first parent sentenced in a wide ranging US college admissions cheating scandal and received a 14 day prison sentence after pleading guilty to paying to rig her daughter's entrance exam. Roy is joined by the leading expert in pop culture to discuss the morals and legalities. Guest: Robert Thompson. Founding director: Bleier Center for TV and Popular Culture. - Beauties & the Beast reconvene. Michelle Simson, former Liberal MP declares she will not vote for Trudeau. Guests: Michelle Simson. Fmr LPC MP Catherine Swift. Fmr Pres/CEO CFIB Linda Leatherdale. VP Cambria Canada. Fmr MONEY editor Toronto Sun. - RCMP intel director criminally charged in a major case. Civilian RCMP member with access to the most confidential RCMP files. It was America who alerted Canada of deep concerns about the activities of Cameron Ortis who appears to have perhaps been prepared to pass on highly classified information to an unknown entity. Guest: Mercedes Stephenson. Global News parliamentary bureau chief and host of the West Block on Global Television. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back On The Beat - September 14, 2019 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The RCMP has charged one of its own with several offences under Canada's official-secrets law. The national police force says Cameron Ortis was charged under three sections of the Security of Information Act, and with two Criminal Code offences. It says the charges stem from activities alleged to have occurred during his tenure as an RCMP employee, and it was not immediately clear whether he was still employed by the force. As the investigation is ongoing, the RCMP declined to make further comment. Naval officer Jeffrey Paul Delisle, who gave classified information to Russian military intelligence, pleaded guilty to offences under the act in 2012. Guest: Amanda Connolly Political reporter for Global News
The RCMP has charged one of its own with several offences under Canada's official-secrets law. The national police force says Cameron Ortis was charged under three sections of the Security of Information Act, and with two Criminal Code offences. It says the charges stem from activities alleged to have occurred during his tenure as an RCMP employee, and it was not immediately clear whether he was still employed by the force. As the investigation is ongoing, the RCMP declined to make further comment. Naval officer Jeffrey Paul Delisle, who gave classified information to Russian military intelligence, pleaded guilty to offences under the act in 2012. Guest: Sam Cooper National investigative journalist for Global News