Edward Greenspan, the Toronto criminal lawyer hired to represent Madeleine Mines (TSE) and company President Patrick Sheridan, says they will enter a plea of not guilty to charges that they violated Ontario’s environment laws. Sheridan, who is charged with operating Madeleine’s Lac des Iles palladium-platinum mine without permission from the Ontario Environment Ministry, appeared at a provincial offences court in Thunder Bay, Ont., March 12.
But at the request of counsel representing Sheridan and Madeleine, the case has been adjourned until April 16, when a trial date will be set.
“We have to get disclosure from the Crown attorney, look at the charges and prepare for what will undoubtedly be a lengthy court case,” said Greenspan, one of Canada’s best-known criminal lawyers.
Sheridan could not be reached for comment on charges which include two counts of establishing a sewage system without approval and constructing equipment that could discharge contaminants into the environment.
But Greenspan told The Northern Miner that Madeleine and Sheridan intend “to vigorously defend each and every allegation.”
Greenspan said he has represented a number of other companies facing charges under the Environment Protection Act and Ontario Water Resources Act. He says he will be in Thunder Bay when the trial commences.
Insiders in the legal profession say Greenspan is one of the most expensive lawyers in the country, but he wouldn’t reveal how much he is being paid by Madeleine. “The fee is between me and my client,” he said.
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