Criminal trial of former Harper aide Bruce Carson delayed due to surgery

OTTAWA – The trial of former prime ministerial aide BruceCarson has been delayed due to pending surgery for possible lung cancer.

Carson’s lawyer, Patrick McCann, says his client will undergo the procedure July 17 – just days before he was to face a charge of influence peddling.

The case was adjourned until Sept. 9, when a new trial date might be set.

The RCMP says Carson – once a senior adviser to Stephen Harper – is alleged to have accepted a commission for a third party in connection with a business matter relating to the federal government.

He is charged with one count of fraud on the government, also known as influence peddling, contrary to the Criminal Code.

The Prime Minister’s Office asked the RCMP to investigate Carson amid allegations he illegally lobbied the federal government on behalf of a company that employed his girlfriend.