Anna Gibbon-Staff photo
A decision is expected soon in a case involving Justice of the Peace Anna Gibbon.
She is accused of intervening in a Highway Traffic Act proceeding involving her son in February 2019 in which he was charged with Failure to Yield.
According to the notice of the hearing, Gibbon invited judicial officers assigned to preside over her son’s case to her house for dinner.
Gibbon’s lawyer Eugene Bhattacharya outlined new submissions Tuesday, which included a request from Human Resources not to be assigned to Provincial Offences Court for the remainder of her time on the bench.
Bhattacharya added that his client has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment and orders from medical professionals are to maintain a healthy work environment and limit contact with others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presenting council lawyer Linda Rothstein argued that the letters could be a reflection of Gibbon knowing what she did, or were done in response as a submission of the council.
She noted the case is about determining whether Gibbon understands the power of her role and the basics of conflict of interest.
Gibbon faces a number of punishments should the complaint be upheld. Those include a warning or reprimand, an apology or further education, a suspension with or without pay or removal from office.
Gibbon is working with the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay.
