Ottawa’s controversial mayor faces new conflict controversy

Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien’s decision to overturn a two-decade municipal ban on arms exhibitions in city facilities was controversial enough. But now the Ottawa Citizen reports that a defence and security industry show, slated to open May 27 at the city’s Landsdowne Park, will feature exhibits by Calian Technologies—the company O’Brien founded, and of which he remains a shareholder and director. The mayor has other problems: his trial on charges he offered to secure a federal appointment for a political rival, in exchange for the rival dropping out of the 2006 municipal election, is scheduled to begin May 4.

Ottawa Citizen