Crown Retains New Counsel for Appeal

PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE Crown Retains New Counsel for Appeal

Robert Morrison, QC, general counsel with the Manitoba Department of Justice, was appointed last week to represent the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service before the Supreme Court of Canada as Gerald Regan appeals the reinstatement of seven indecent assault charges.

Mr. Morrison replaces Jack Watson of Alberta, who was appointed July 28 to the Court of Queen's Bench in Alberta.

Justice Michael MacDonald stayed charges against Mr. Regan in April 1998. The Crown appealed the decision and the court reinstated the charges on Sept. 10, 1999. Mr. Regan initiated an appeal last October to the Supreme Court of Canada. Mr. Regan is asking the court to uphold Justice MacDonald's original decision to stay the charges.

Mr. Regan filed his argument with the Supreme Court of Canada this past July. Because of the change in counsel, Nova Scotia will seek an extension in filing its response to this appeal. A hearing date has not yet been set.

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service retained independent counsel to handle the appeals process to avoid any possible conflict or appearance of conflict.

Mr. Morrison has been involved with many major prosecutions in Manitoba.