According to Canwest, the defence lawyer for George Radwanski is talking about having certain evidence against him excluded. See: Lawyers to challenge eligibility of evidence against Radwanski.

I'm not sure why anyone involved on his behalf would be speaking to the media, as no trial is scheduled and I can't imagine that reminding people of the saga would be a good thing for George.

Labels: privacy, radwanski scandal

Charges were laid yesterday against George Radwanski in connection with the alleged mismanagement of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. Radwanksi was forced to resign in late 2003 after a report by the federal Auditor General reported that during his two and a half years in the position, overspending was rampant and cronyism ruled the day. The charges are fraud and criminal breach of trust, which were filed by the RCMP.

The CBC reports on a statement made by Eddie Greenspan, Radwanski's lawyer:

Greenspan said his client is determined to clear his name.

"When he is given a fair opportunity to defend himself, the allegations will be demonstrated to be unfounded," Greenspan said in a statement.

Greenspan said a trial will show that during Radwanski's tenure as privacy commissioner of Canada, "he acted with integrity and in utmost good faith."

See: CBC News: Former privacy commissioner charged with fraud, breach of trust, RCMP charge former privacy commissioner with fraud and breach of trust, CTV.ca | Former privacy commissioner charged with fraud.

Technorati tags: Privacy Commissioner :: Radwanski

Labels: information breaches, radwanski scandal

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that Cafe Henry Burger in Ottawa is closing down. According to the owner, the restaurant suffered a loss of business as fallout from the Radwanski scandal that lead to the downfall of the then Privacy Commissioner and opened all entertainment spending by public officials to much greater scrutiny.

Iconic eatery Cafe Henry Burger shuts its doors after 83 years

It made headlines of a different kind in 2003 when it was revealed that some public servants had run up huge bills at Cafe Henry Burger, including then-privacy commissioner George Radwanski. Mr. Bourassa concedes that the repercussions of that hurt sales at his restaurant.

"Following that, there was greater expense-account scrutiny and a greater call for access to information. This resulted in a loss of clients."

Despite the obvious sadness he feels at the closing of his restaurant, he is focusing on the many good experiences he has had.

I'm sure some would suggest that it was the loss of Radwanski's business that did it in.

Labels: information breaches, radwanski scandal

Just in case you thought that the Radwanski story had been told, a new chapter was tabled in the Parliament today, according to the Canadian Press:

Yahoo! News - Former privacy czar hired daughter of insider in return for access: report:

"OTTAWA (CP) - Hiring rules were so lax in the federal privacy commissioner's office that the daughter of a prime ministerial secretary was given questions and answers in an advance of a pre-ordained job interview, says a new report.

George Radwanski may be long gone but new details are emerging about his troubled tenure. A one-year follow-up report on the scandal, tabled Tuesday in Parliament, revealed that Danielle Bondar was hired to repay what Radwanski considered 'an important political favour.'... "

Labels: information breaches, radwanski scandal

It looks like things are taking a turn for the worse for the former Canadian Federal Privacy Commissioner, George Radwanski. All the major Canadian media are reporting that he is the subject of an RCMP investigation due to allegations that led to his resignation last summer. See:

• CBC News: RCMP to investigate Radwanski

"OTTAWA - The RCMP is launching a criminal investigation into the spending of former privacy commissioner George Radwanski and several of his top officials, the National Post reported Saturday. "

• National Post: Mounties to investigate Radwanski's spending

"OTTAWA -- The RCMP will launch a full criminal investigation into the spending and actions of George Radwanski, the former privacy commissioner, and several of his acolytes after reviewing a series of allegations of wrongdoing detailed in a fall report by the auditor general."

• Globe and Mail: More heat on Radwanski

"Following a detailed and lengthy review of the allegations made in Auditor General Sheila Fraser's report into Mr. Radwanski's activities, the RCMP has determined that there are sufficient grounds to launch a full criminal investigation into several matters described in the report," RCMP spokeswoman Constable Nathalie Deschenes said."

Here's what happens when you Google "Radwanski" in the new Google News Service:

Labels: google, information breaches, privacy, radwanski scandal