Peter Nygard's lawyer withdraws from case, cites 'fundamental breakdown' of relationship
The lawyer representing former fashion mogul Peter Nygard has withdrawn his representation in both Manitoba and Ontario citing a fundamental breakdown of their relationship.
Toronto-based lawyer Brian Greenspan applied to be withdrawn from Nygard's Winnipeg criminal trial on Friday and the Toronto criminal case on Wednesday.
An affidavit filed in the provincial court in Winnipeg by Seth Weinstein – a partner at Greenspan's law firm – states issues have arisen.
"There has been a fundamental breakdown of the solicitor-client relationship which requires him to be removed from the record," the affidavit reads.
The document also noted Greenspan, "would be in breach of his professional obligations were he not to bring this application."
The affidavit states more details can't be shared as it would breach the lawyer-client privilege but notes it is not related to the "non-payment of legal fees."
Greenspan was representing Nygard while he faced one count of forcible confinement and one count of sexual assault in Manitoba's provincial court.
The charges have not been tested in court.
Greenspan appeared in a Toronto courtroom Wednesday, ahead of a sentencing after Nygard was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault in November. The charges date back to allegations made from the 1980s until the mid-2000s.
Greenspan told court Wednesday that his relationship with Nygard has become "adversarial."
Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein approved Greenspan's application and removed him from the record immediately.
Nygard has been instructed that he will need to find new counsel and until then he will be representing himself.
Nygard's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 30, in Ontario.
Nygard is also facing charges in Quebec and in the United States. The trial in Quebec is expected to start in June. None of the charges in those cases have been tested in court.
- With files from CTV's Abby O'Brien and The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Canada's inflation rate jumps back to 2%, likely curbing large rate-cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate accelerated more than expected to 2.0 per cent in October as gas prices fell less than the previous month, data showed on Tuesday, likely diluting chances of another large rate cut in December.
Cargo plane goes off the runway at Vancouver International Airport
A jet carrying Amazon packages went off the runway at Vancouver International Airport Tuesday morning.
Toddler dies from drug toxicity in Niagara Falls, Ont.
A 40-year-old woman is facing charges in the death of a toddler who was found without vital signs in a Niagara Falls, Ont., home last year. Niagara regional police say officers found the two-year-old child after they were called to a home on Nov. 21, 2023.
Ex-husband of mass rape victim Gisele Pelicot set to speak in court
Gisele Pelicot, subjected to mass rape organized by her husband over 10 years, on Tuesday condemned the cowardice of the dozens of men accused of abusing her who claim they didn't realize it was rape, adding France's patriarchal society must change.
Organic carrots recalled in Canada due to E. coli
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has posted a recall for both baby and whole organic carrot brands sold at multiple grocery stores due to E. coli contamination.
Paul Teal, actor from 'One Tree Hill,' dead at age 35
Paul Teal, a film and TV actor known best for his role in the CW's teen soap 'One Tree Hill,' has died, according to a statement from his agent Susan Tolar Walters. He was 35.
BREAKING Reports of male armed with knife on U of M campus: Winnipeg police
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is warning the public about a male armed with a knife at the U of M campus.
Forecasters issue 'bomb cyclone' warning for B.C., with 120 km/h winds predicted
An Environment Canada meteorologist says a so-called 'bomb cyclone' is expected to bring powerful winds to Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coast this week.
With swastika flags and bellowed slurs, neo-Nazi marchers strode through Columbus. Ohio's governor and officials condemn it
Ohio officials have denounced a small contingent of neo-Nazis who paraded Saturday afternoon through a Columbus neighbourhood, waving flags featuring swastikas and shouting a racist slur, in the latest public demonstration by white nationalists in recent years across the United States.