R. Morin

The offender pleaded guilty to multiple counts of trafficking fentanyl and heroin to an undercover officer, as well as possession of proceeds of crime.

The court recognized the offender as an addict trafficker who sold drugs to support his own addiction, but noted the significant quantities involved and the extreme danger fentanyl poses to the community.

The court imposed a global sentence of 6 years' imprisonment, reduced by credit for pre-sentence custody and strict bail conditions, resulting in a remaining sentence of 4 years and 359 days.

The defendant was charged with 31 counts of participating in the making of false or misleading statements in Records of Employment (ROEs) and Employment Insurance (EI) applications under the Employment Insurance Act.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant knowingly provided false ROEs to individuals so they could obtain EI benefits, knowing they had not actually worked for the businesses named in the ROEs, often in exchange for payment.

The defendant testified that he merely prepared the ROEs based on instructions and information provided by his employer, Jaspal Singh, without knowledge that the contents were false, and that he did not sign the ROEs.

After a lengthy trial involving multiple witnesses and documentary evidence, the court found the defendant guilty on 10 counts and acquitted him on 10 counts, with 11 counts withdrawn by the Crown during trial.

The applicant, charged with importing cocaine, brought a Rowbotham application for state-funded counsel after his Legal Aid certificate was cancelled due to his income level.

The court reviewed his financial circumstances and found he was not indigent, as he was fully employed and had discretionary income.

Furthermore, the court determined the case was straightforward, involving a short border investigation and a single issue of knowledge, meaning counsel was not essential for a fair trial.

The application was dismissed.