A defence lawyer has invited a Vancouver Provincial Court judge to find his client guilty of defrauding an Indigenous society of more than $743,000.
Norma Jenny Bird, former executive director of the First Nations Employment Society (FNES), was charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 by the B.C. Prosecution Service.
The RCMP said in April 2023 that the offence is alleged to have occurred during a period from October 2010 to March 2015.
“Several audits into the organization’s spending found that Bird allegedly used the organization’s credit card for personal use. The amount of the alleged fraud was $743,295.69,” RCMP said.
The Delta resident appeared Oct. 2 by video before Judge Harbans Dillon.
Dillon said she was denying a defence application to keep certain evidence out of the case.
As a result, Bird’s lawyer Scott Fenton and Crown prosecutor Kevin Marks will prepare a statement of relevant facts to which Bird will stipulate or agree to.
That, Fenton said, would allow for Dillon to enter a finding of guilt.
'Efficient conclusion'
He was clear that it is not a guilty plea which would allow for an appeal if necessary.
“It allows for the efficient conclusion of the balance of this proceeding,” Fenton said.
Marks said the case would proceed to sentencing after the stipulation.
FNES represented 10 First Nations as well as on/off reserve people residing in the Vancouver-Sunshine Coast areas.
It managed an agreement with Service Canada on behalf of the 10 First Nations with authority for training and employment in the Vancouver-Sunshine Coast region.
B.C. RCMP financial integrity investigators led the criminal investigation.
