Some Key Cases-John P. Nelligan, Q.C., LSM

1960-1962, Eastview Merchants

• Eastview (now Vanier) merchants protest misuse of public funds by town officials
• Leads to provincial inquiry
• J.N. key member of inquiry, acting on behalf of merchants

1987, Dr. Syed "Joe" Ahmad

• Prominent scientist, Dr. S. Ahmad, is dismissed from Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd for refusing to approve an untested and highly risky nuclear energy theory
• J.N. acts as lawyer for Dr. Ahmad, who sues Ontario Hydro (and AECL) for libel and for pressuring AECL into dismissing him
• Case is successful; Dr. Ahmad settles out of court for over $500K in damages

1990, John Munro

• Former Liberal cabinet minister is charged by federal government on 37 counts of fraud and conspiracy in connection with the 1984 party leadership campaign
• J.N. acts as lawyer for Mr. Munro
• All charges are eventually dismissed, but government refuses to pay for Munro's legal expenses as per written government policy to provide legal services at public expense to public servants who "as a result of the performance of their duties, may be charged with an offence."

1990, Hazen Argue

• Liberal Senator Argue charged with fraud and misuse of Senate supplies and services in connection with his wife's unsuccessful campaign to win Liberal nomination in the Nepean, Ontario riding
• J.N. acts as lawyer for Senator Argue
• All charges are dropped due to serious illness of defendant

1994, Dr. Gail Rock

• Director of Ottawa Blood Centre and leading expert in rare blood diseases, Dr. Gail Rock is accused of mismanaging funds and fired by Red Cross in 1998
• J.N. acts as lawyer for Dr. Rock in wrongful dismissal case
• Case is successful; Dr. Rock receives over $200K in damages and her name is cleared re: financial mismanagement

1995, Pearson Airport

• Federal Progressive Conservative leadership's plan to privatize Pearson is overturned by new Liberal government due to perception of patronage
• PC-majority Senate launches inquiry into ruling
• Private firm poised to purchase airport sues federal government for damages resulting from cancellation of contracts
• J.N. serves as committee counsel for the inquiry