Letter - February 14, 2013
Mr. Glen Stannard
Chairperson
Military Police Complaints Commission
270 Albert Street, 10th Floor
Ottawa ON K1P 5G8
Dear Mr. Stannard:
On 30 October 2012 you recommended that the Government of Canada fund additional legal representation of Mr. and Mrs. Shaun and Sheila Fynes before the Commission Public Interest Hearing in preparation time for closing submissions.
In the unique and unusual circumstances of this case, the Government of Canada granted funding to the Fynes on an ex gratia basis in March 2012 toward the cost of legal representation at the Hearing. The amount of $131,398 including HST was given based on the Commission's estimate that the Hearing would last 48 days, plus an additional $26,802 (20 percent) to cover potential hearing delays. As the Hearing proceeded, the number of sitting days increased by 14 to allow for over 30 extra witnessed to be heard.
Given the increased length of the Hearing, the increased number of witnesses, and the amount of documentary evidence filed, the Government of Canada has chosen to grant an increase of $31,075 including HST toward the $158,200 in legal fees already paid, for a total of up to $189,275 including HST.
To ensure the integrity of the payment process, complainants' counsel shall submit a bill of costs directly to the Legal Aid Directorate of the Department of Justice to:
Mr. Ted McNabb
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0H8
Telephone: 613-952-5620
Fax: 613-954-9423
Email: ted.mcnabb@justice.gc.ca
I must emphasize that this decision is based entirely on the unique and unusual circumstances of this case and does not serve as a precedent for any future request from these or other complainants before the Commission or any other administrative tribunals under federal jurisdiction.
A copy of this letter has also been sent to the Fynes.
I trust this is of assistance.
Sincerely,
Peter MacKay
c.c. Mr. and Mrs. Shaun and Sheila Fynes
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