MONTREAL – Since her extradition to Canada, the wife of Dr. Arthur Porter has lived in a luxury apartment building near downtown Montreal.
Pamela Porter, 53, is out on bail pending the start of her trial. She’s charged in the McGill Superhospital scandal.
On Thursday, Pamela Porter asked a Quebec judge for an “upgrade.” She requested a move to Florida to live with one of her daughters, Fiona Emma Porter.
The judge in the case, Justice Rejean Paul, denied her motion. He was harsh with Porter in his decision.
A court-ordered publication ban prevents us from reporting details.
Justice Paul essentially agreed with the crown prosecutor’s main argument that if Pamela Porter left the country, she would not return.
“Flight risk is the main reason why this reason was rejected by the court,” prosecutor Marie-Helene Giroux told Global News.
Pamela Porter is facing two charges: conspiracy to commit fraud and a count of money laundering.
Police say she helped her husband hide a $22.5M bribe given by engineering giant SNC Lavalin in exchange of the awarding of the MUHC contract.
Seven people were arrested in the case including Pierre Duhaime, the former CEO of SNC Lavalin.
Dr. Arthur Porter, also charged in the case, remains in a Panamian prison fighting his extradition.
The preliminary inquiry in the case is scheduled to begin in March 2015.
A trial start date has not been set, but it’s believed opening arguments will likely only be heard in 2016.
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