Fraud under $5,000 charge added in case against former Summerside councillor

Barb Gallant, who until two weeks ago was a city councillor in Summerside, P.E.I., has had an additional criminal charge added in the case against her concerning her dealings with the Lest We Forget Veterans Committee.

Gallant was charged in April with theft over $5,000 in connection with her work as the group's executive director.

As her lawyer Peter Ghiz appeared in court by video link on her behalf Wednesday, a charge of fraud under $5,000 was added. The theft charge was also changed from indictable to summary, meaning the matter can be heard in provincial court.

A group of about 10 people protested outside the court, under a tent with a banner that read "Justice for Veterans,"and two went inside while the matter was heard.

Gallant's next appearance is scheduled for July 24, when she is expected to enter a plea.

Under the Municipal Government Act, Gallant could not be removed from her position on council until or unless she convicted.

However, she was voted off council on June 18 on the grounds that she had missed three consecutive council meetings.

In another development Wednesday, Elections P.E.I. announced that a byelection would be held on Oct. 1 to fill for Gallant's former seat in Summerside's Ward 5.