Gomery Commission From 2004 to 2005, before the Gomery Commission, LaTraverse acted as legal counsel for Mr. Jean Carle, former Chief of Operations in Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s office and First Vice President, Corporate Affairs at the Business Development Bank of Canada.
Marché Central Fraud From 1996 to 2001, LaTraverse acted as lead counsel in representing a Congregation of Nuns from Quebec City, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who were defrauded for amounts in excess of 80 million dollars Canadian as a result of various schemes by their advisors in connection with the development of a major real estate project known as the Marché Central. The team of lawyers and experts put together and headed by Mr. LaTraverse devoted itself almost exclusively to this matter for over 4 years which resulted in successful injunctive and civil proceedings, including bankruptcy recourses, following heated and vigorous litigation, involving all levels of Courts, the media and the political system. This case involved asset recovery in foreign jurisdictions, including money laundering issues and criminal prosecutions. The judicial proceedings under Mr. LaTraverse’s command resulted in the recovery and refinancing of all of the real estate assets of Marché Central for the benefit of a trust whose beneficiaries are the Sisters, as well as the criminal conviction of the accused.
Place Alexis-Nihon Fire Place Alexis-Nihon Fire From 1999 to 2003, LaTraverse acted as lead counsel for Alexis Nihon Corporation in the trial of the single biggest fire loss in a high-rise building in Canada. [S.C. 500-05-011476-882; C.A. 500-09-008293-995; Supreme Court appeal rejected].
Abusive Franchisor In 1995, LaTraverse successfully represented franchisees in obtaining damages against a major franchisor from the Province of Ontario, including recovery of extra-judicial fees for the wrongful and abusive closing of its franchise operations in the Province of Quebec [2632-7502 Québec Inc. vs Pizza Pizza Canada Inc. et Pizza Pizza Limited, (S.C. 500-05-011039-904; C.A. 500-09-001359-959)].
Valleyfield Bridge Failure and Seaway ClosureIn 1993, LaTraverse successfully acted as lead counsel in defending a multi-national construction company which had participated in the construction of various lift bridges in the Seaway Canal and who was being sued by the Government of Canada and vessel carriers and charterers for multi-million dollar losses relating to the closure of the Seaway Canal in 1984 as a result of a bridge failure. [L'Administration de la Voie Maritime du Saint-Laurent et al vs United Dominion Industries Limited and Canron Inc. (S.C. 500-05-003450-853; C.A. 500-09-001851-930; Appeal to Supreme Court denied].
Accountant's Professional Liability In 1990, LaTraverse successfully prepared and pleaded a case with Mr. James Woods for a plaintiff against a major firm of Chartered Accountants in a landmark case dealing with the liability of an accountant who advised clients on tax related planning. [Dr. Michael Kovalik vs David H. Laidley, Touche Ross et al, S.C. 500-05-000632-875].
Asbetos Related Insurance Liability
In 1985, LaTraverse successfully prepared and pleaded a case with Mr. Eric Clark for a major U.S. insurance company in limiting its liability under a liability insurance policy issued to a manufacturer of Asbestos products whose insured was facing multi-million dollar claims in the United States for Asbestos related diseases. [Bell Asbestos Mines Ltd. et al vs Federal Insurance Company, S.C. 500-05-009479-856]. |
