The Professional Conduct Committee of the CPAO sought judicial review of an internal Appeal Decision that ordered the readmission of a former accountant whose license was revoked following criminal convictions for fraud.
The Divisional Court allowed the application, finding that the Appeal Panel failed to conduct a proper reasonableness review of the initial Reconsideration Decision.
Instead of deferring to the Reconsideration Panel's assessment of the applicant's remorse and rehabilitation, the Appeal Panel impermissibly reweighed the evidence.
Furthermore, the Appeal Panel failed to consider whether readmission was consistent with maintaining public trust in the profession.
The Appeal Decision was set aside and the Reconsideration Decision denying readmission was restored.
