Mimosas, cigars and ribs: Politicians deny dining with former Calgary councillor at expense claim trial
CBC
The mayor of Halifax and a Quebec cabinet minister were among those who testified Monday at the fraud trial for former Calgary city councillor Joe Magliocca.
Magliocca, 59, is charged with fraud and breach of trust by a public officer stemming from alleged falsified expense claims submitted to the City of Calgary between Oct. 23, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2019.
During that time, Magliocca was a city representative at Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conferences.
Monday marked the beginning of a parade of politicians — current and former — who are listed on expense claims as having been hosted by Magliocca during his travel, a requirement for the former councillor to justify requesting reimbursement from the city.
The Crown witnesses, 27 in total, who either attended FCM conferences or Quebec's Winter Carnival, are expected to testify that they do not know Joe Magliocca and were not hosted by him for meals or drinks.
On Monday, Quebec Minister of Infrastructure Jonatan Julien was the first politician to testify.
A receipt presented by the Crown shows that Magliocca claimed to have hosted Julien at Pub L'Oncle Antoine in Quebec City on Feb. 10, 2019.
Four mimosas and several coffee-based drinks were included on the $60 bill.
But Julien told the court he doesn't know Magliocca and has never met the former councillor.
On the date in question, Julien testified he was in Sept-Îles on ministerial business.
When asked about the first time Julien had learned of Magliocca, the minister explained it was when he was questioned by RCMP in connection with the expense claim investigation.
The 2018 FCM conference was held in Halifax and was "a big event for the city," according to Mayor Mike Savage, who also testified Monday.
The conference ended Sunday June 3, 2018 with a gala dinner.
But a receipt shows Magliocca claimed a $214 chicken-and-rib dinner at Baton Rouge on the Monday, and listed Savage and an Ottawa councillor as his dining companions.
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