Moncton, Canada — A New Brunswick man is set to face trial again for 19 financial crimes later this year, after a previous trial ended in a mistrial.
Daniel Bard, 60, will appear in Moncton provincial court for a four-week period beginning Sept. 15. He is charged with offenses that include fraud, theft, possession of property obtained through crime, and money laundering.
Bard’s first trial commenced in April but concluded in June with a mistrial, occurring when his attorney withdrew due to health issues. On Tuesday, Bard appeared in court alongside his newly appointed lawyer, Nelson Peters, to arrange the timeline for the retrial. Peters informed Judge Anne Richard that the September start date should provide sufficient time for preparation.
“This is a complex and challenging case,” Peters stated, addressing the court. He also acknowledged the urgency of adhering to legal timelines established by the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2016 Jordan decision, which specifies that most provincial court trials should be largely resolved within 18 months of charges being filed. Failing to meet this timeline can result in charges being stayed, effectively terminating the prosecution.
Bard was initially charged in 2022, with an original trial date slated for late 2023. After parting ways with his first attorney, the trial was postponed to spring 2025, ultimately leading to a mistrial. The retrial was moved forward to September upon the suggestion of Crown prosecutor Chris Ryan, who emphasized the importance of adhering to the Jordan timelines, suggesting that “counting days may become an issue.”
As a result of the mistrial, witnesses from the previous trial will have to provide testimony again. Bard’s legal representation is being funded by the provincial government following the court’s approval of a Rowbotham application, allowing him access to legal counsel despite being denied legal aid.
Allegations against Bard trace back to his role as vice-president of investment attraction for 3+ Corp., a municipally funded economic development agency in the Moncton area. In 2019, reports indicated that Bard was accused by multiple business figures of collecting significant administrative and brokerage fees while failing to fulfill his obligations, leading to his exit from the organization.
While the trial looms, it remains a significant event in the ongoing scrutiny of financial conduct within local economic development agencies. The forthcoming retrial is expected to attract attention, given the serious nature of the charges against Bard and the implications for the Moncton community.
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