Short and sweet... picking up next week

Penner took the stand for only a short time. The Crown (questioning happened under Brennagh Smith for the first time instead of Hutchison) took Penner through the elaborate process to qualify and get appointed to the NPB. Penner told the court that in July 2006 there was 1 vacancy on the 45-seat NPB, but it wasn't filled until October of the next year. He testified he was never contacted in any way about an appointment for Kilrea to the NPB. He said that though he's been forwarded CV's from John Reynolds in the past, he never received one about Kilrea. Under cross examination, Penner said it would be impossible for someone to make a phone call and within a few hours be appointed to the Board.

Reynolds takes the stand on Tuesday. On Monday, Pantazopolous is expected to testify on Monday. The Crown said that next week "it's conceivable" it will be finished with witnesses.

The Crown has decided it will not re-examine any witnesses from the Trilogy.

Funny moment of the day: Bennett was asked about when his involvement in politics began and he started his answer with "when I was 8 years old...." The Crown interrupted, clarifying that perhaps it wasn't necessary to go THAT far back... the Judge quipped "it's going to be a long day."

We're done for the week. Tomorrow's proceedings were put on hold so O'Brien could attend his son's graduation from McGill.

AND... seems next week will be short as well. The Judge has committments in Winnipeg on Thursday, and when Hutchison joked that we all join him there, Cunningham said we REALLY wouldn't want to do that.