Fraud, breach of trust charges against Senator Patrick Brazeau to be dropped
When expense-related charges are dropped, Brazeau will be able to return to his Senate seat
Charges of fraud and breach of trust against Senator Patrick Brazeau will be withdrawn by the Crown on Wednesday, CBC News has learned.
After the charges related to questionable expense claims made by the senator are withdrawn, Brazeau will be able to return to his seat in the Red Chamber.
"If the charges related to alleged fraud are dropped, Senator Brazeau is free to return as a senator in full standing," said Jacqui Delaney, Senate spokeswoman.
- Patrick Brazeau pleads not guilty to refusing breathalyzer
- Mike Duffy challenges Senate's demand to repay $16,955 in expenses
- Senator Pamela Wallin won't face RCMP charges over expenses
The other three senators who were initially singled out by the Senate over their expenses have all had their expense claims reviewed and dealt with.
Senator Pamela Wallin's expenses were the subject of a "thorough investigation," after which RCMP decided they would not press charges.
Senator Mike Duffy was charged with 31 offences relating to his expenses. He went to trial where he was cleared of all charges.
Retired senator Mac Harb was also charged, but those charges were withdrawn by the Crown.
Other brushes with the law
When charges are dropped on Wednesday it won't be the end of Brazeau's legal woes. He still must return to court Oct. 26 to answer a charge of refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test for an incident that took place April 3.
Brazeau has pleaded not guilty to that charge.
The senator pleaded guilty to assault and possession of cocaine last year and received an unconditional discharge. A more serious charge of sexual assault was dropped because of insufficient evidence.
Brazeau is currently on a leave of absence from the Senate with pay.
For 859 days, the RCMP and Crown made me out to be a "fraudster." Perhaps this all ends today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cdnpoli?src=hash">#cdnpoli</a>
—@senatorbrazeauHe was initially suspended without pay in 2013, but that suspension came to an end when Parliament was dissolved for the 2015 federal election.
Brazeau's salary was clawed back for several months to repay almost $50,000 in ineligible expenses.