Spotlight on Non-Fiction: “Inside Gomery”
OTTAWA CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYERS – Over the years I have found myself involved with a number of public inquiries and high-profile criminal trials in Ontario. The Gomery Inquiry of 2005 was one of the most complicated inquiries I’ve had the pleasure of taking part in.
The Gomery Inquiry, named after Justice John Gomery who presided over the commission, was established to look for facts surrounding the Sponsorship Scandal, and get more information on the events of 1994-2004 which led to suspicion that the Liberal party had been spending public money irresponsibly.
Francois Perreault’s excellent book Inside Gomery has a couple of interesting sections detailing my involvement – along with many other lawyers – in aiding key witnesses. Here is a quote from Chapter Six of the book:
“After a few weeks, it became easy to recognize the celebrities, even for those watching the proceedings on television. Pierre Fournier, representing Alfonso Gagliano, ex-minister and ex-ambassador; Guy Pratte, representing Jean Pelletier, ex-chief of staff for an ex-prime minister; Richard Auger, representing Charles (“Chuck”) Guité, an ex-public servant; Peter Doody, representing the ex-prime minister; and finally, Sylvain Lussier, representing the current government. What an impressive lineup! These men were champions of the law profession […] They showed remarkable skill and perseverance in handling their arguments, and they impressed me greatly.”
I am humbled to have been recognized in this list of Canada’s top lawyers.
Are you getting ready to participate in a Canadian public inquiry, as a witness or otherwise? It’s important to call a top public inquiry lawyer who can help you determine how to proceed. For more information, contact the Ottawa lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth by email [email protected] or by phone at (613) 699-8192.
