One of the key legal disputes is the Crown’s intention to call over two dozen witnesses, many of whom are high-profile individuals located across Canada and beyond. Crown prosecutor Aaron Rankin argued that the witnesses should be allowed to testify via video link, as many of them are current politicians whose schedules would be disrupted by traveling to Calgary. Rankin emphasized that their testimony would be brief, as most are expected to confirm they did not dine with or receive hospitality from Magliocca, contradicting the expense claims.
Among the witnesses are Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, Quebec provincial cabinet minister Jonatan Julien, and former Peterborough council member Stephen Wright, who now resides in Australia. Other witnesses, including Ontario Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie, expressed concerns about the inconvenience of attending the trial in person. Rankin argued that forcing them to travel would be unnecessary, given the straightforward nature of their testimonies.
Magliocca’s defense counsel, Aryan Sadat, opposed the use of remote testimony, arguing that there is no evidence to suggest these witnesses are unwilling to travel to Calgary. Sadat also questioned why the Crown had not provided affidavits to support the claim that remote testimony was necessary.
RCMP Const. David Mitchell, the lead investigator in the case, supported the Crown’s request, noting that several witnesses mentioned the strain that traveling to Calgary would put on their schedules. He stated that many expressed frustration with the idea of leaving their busy roles to testify in person.
Justice Gord Wong, who is presiding over the trial, will hear further arguments from the defense regarding the use of remote testimony. The trial is expected to run for 11 days, with a ruling on the issue anticipated later this week.
Magliocca, who served two terms on Calgary City Council from 2013 to 2021, lost his bid for re-election shortly after charges were laid against him.
Source: KMartin@postmedia.com
