BCFIRB is undertaking a supervisory review of allegations of bad faith and unlawful activity raised in court filings alleging misfeasance of public office by members and staff of the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission. See the Notice of Supervisory Review (May 26, 2021) (PDF) for more information.
Purpose: To determine whether these allegations of wrongdoing can be substantiated and what resulting orders or directions may be required.
To ensure public confidence in the administration of the regulated vegetable industry in BC the Review process will be swift. Please note the submission deadlines under “Review Process”.
Review Process
Allegations of bad faith and unlawful activity by public officials warrant a high degree of procedural fairness, and accordingly an oral hearing will be held, anticipated to take place in mid to late summer of 2021 (either in-person or by videoconference). Next steps in the review include:
Step 1: Distribution of Notice May 26, 2021 [Complete]
Distribution of Review Notice to Prokam Enterprises Ltd., Mastronardi Produce Ltd., and regulated vegetable sector stakeholders.
Step 2: Participation and Interim Orders JUNE 4, 2021 [Complete]
BCFIRB is requesting written submissions from industry by JUNE 4, 2021 on:
PLEASE READ THE NOTICE OF REVIEW (PDF) BEFORE MAKING YOUR SUBMISSION
Send submissions to:
Email: Wanda.Gorsuch@gov.bc.ca, cc: firb@gov.bc.ca
All written submissions will be posted to the BCFIRB website. Persons are responsible in the first instance for informing BCFIRB if, in their view, the information they are providing is confidential. The panel will assess the information and reasons for confidentiality before determining if or how the information should be disclosed.
Step 3: BCFIRB decision - participation and Interim Orders JUNE 14, 2021 [Complete]
BCFIRB to issue a decision on participation and any Interim Orders.
Step 4: Establish final review process JUNE 18, 2021 [Complete]
BCFIRB to finalize terms of reference and issue rules of practice and procedure, including a procedure for producing documents.
Revised: Submissions sought on draft rules of practice and procedure and Interim Orders
Step 5: Prehearing Conference re-scheduled for JUNE 30, 2021 [Complete]
Prehearing conference call with BCFIRB supervisory panel and participants to discuss next steps, including the conduct of the oral hearing.
Step 6: Finalize Rules of Procedure (JULY 9, 2021) and Interim Orders [Complete]
BCFIRB to finalize rules of practice and procedure, request final submissions on Interim Orders.
Step 7: Hearing Counsel Investigation
BCFIRB Hearing Counsel to receive submissions and conduct interviews
Step 8: BCFIRB decision – oral hearing Jan 31 to Feb 11, 2022
Due to COVID-19 the hearing is by video conference. Once the oral hearing concludes, BCFIRB to determine whether the allegations are substantiated and what resulting orders or directions may be required based on the evidence presented.
Documents
Review letters and documents are posted to ensure a transparent, fair and accountable process. Persons are responsible in the first instance for informing BCFIRB if, in their view, the information they are providing is confidential. The panel will assess the information and reasons for confidentiality before determining if or how the information should be disclosed.
Use the search box and the table sort function (click in the table headings) to find documents.
When | Who | What |
---|---|---|
2024-05-31 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Response to VMC's Request for clarification |
2024-05-10 | VMC | Letter (PDF) Request for clarification |
2024-03-15 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Allegation Review Phase II |
2024-01-08 | Hearing Counsel | Final Reply (PDF) Submission Phase II |
2024-01-04 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Hearing Counsel Final reply submission extension |
2023-12-15 | Prokam | Written Argument (PDF) Submission Phase II |
2023-12-01 | BCFresh | Written Argument (PDF) & Corrigendum (PDF) Submission Phase II |
2023-11-24 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling on BCFresh Additional evidence application |
2023-11-24 | Solymosi | Written Argument (PDF) Submission Phase II |
2023-11-23 | VMC | Written Argument (PDF) Submission Phase II |
2023-11-17 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Submission on BCFresh Additional evidence application |
2023-11-08 | BCFresh | Letter (PDF) Additional evidence application |
2023-10-27 | Hearing Counsel | Written Argument (PDF) Submission Phase II |
2023-10-20 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Continuation of Phase II |
2023-10-12 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Phase II proposed next steps |
2023-08-21 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Investigation submission deadline |
2023-07-04 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Phase II investigation extension |
2023-06-28 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Phase II investigation extension request |
2023-06-12 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Phase II Hearing Counsel investigation recommendation |
2023-06-05 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Hearing Counsel final reply |
2023-05-25 | Parties | Submissions on Phase II proposed investigation BCFresh (PDF) Prokam (PDF) VMC (PDF) |
2023-05-19 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Phase II proposed investigation extension |
2023-04-26 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Phase II proposed investigation |
2023-03-24 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Phase II schedule |
2023-03-22 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Phase II schedule recommendation |
2023-03-06 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Phase II schedule proposal to parties |
2023-01-25 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling Regarding MPL and BCFIRB Phase II Schedule A (PDF) Hearing Counsel Submission and MPL Letters on Jan 18, 2023 Schedule B (PDF) VMC Submission on Jan 20, 2023 Schedule C (PDF) MPL Counsel Confirmation on Jan 20, 2023 |
2023-01-20 | Parties | Submissions on MPL application VMC (PDF) BCFresh (PDF) |
2023-01-19 | BCFIRB | Email (PDF) submission schedule |
2023-01-18 | Hearing Counsel | Submission (PDF) MPL application MPL Counsel Letter (PDF) P. Mastronardi Letter (PDF) |
2022-11-02 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Corrigendum to Process Part II |
2022-10-27 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Reply on October 21, 2022 decision |
2022-10-21 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Process Part II |
2022-09-09 | Hearing Counsel | Submission (PDF) Final reply - process |
2022-08-31 | BCFIRB | Hearing Counsel Final Reply Extension Decision (PDF) |
2022-08-25 | Parties |
Hearing Counsel Recommendations - Submissions |
2022-08-17 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Submissions on Hearing Counsel Recommendations |
2022-08-12 | Parties | Hearing Counsel Process Recommendations - Responses Bajwa Farms Letter (PDF) Commissioners Letter (PDF) MPL Letter (PDF) Prokam Letter (PDF) |
2022-07-29 | Solymosi | Letter (PDF) Hearing Counsel process recommendations - Response |
2022-07-28 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Request for submissions on process |
2022-07-27 | Hearing Counsel | Submission (PDF) Process recommendations |
2022-07-14 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Allegations Review Decision (Corrected) |
2022-06-21 | Hearing Counsel | Submission (PDF) Reply Argument |
2022-06-17 | Parties (Complainants) | Closing Arguments - Replies Bajwa Farms Reply Submission (PDF) MPL Reply Submission (PDF) MPL Second Book Transcript Extracts (PDF) Prokam Reply Submission (PDF) Prokam Second Book Transcript Extracts (PDF) |
2022-06-17 | VMC | Submission (PDF) Closing Arguments |
2022-06-13 | Parties (Non-complainants) | Closing Arguments Solymosi Cover Letter (PDF) Solymosi Closing Argument (PDF Solymosi Transcript Extract Book (PDF) BCFresh Closing Arguments (PDF) Commissioners Closing Arguments - Corrected (PDF) Commissioners Transcript Extracts Book - Corrected (PDF) |
2022-05-30 | Parties (Complainants) |
Closing Arguments |
2022-05-16 | Hearing Counsel | Submission (PDF) Closing Arguments |
2022-05-05 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling re Submissions |
2022-05-03 | Hearing Counsel | Email (PDF) Schedule Closing Submissions |
2022-04-29 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling re Glykherr and Solymosi |
2022-03-18 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Hearing Continuation, Document Production, and Witness |
2022-03-15/16 | Parties | Responses to hearing schedule, document disclosure Bajwa Farms (PDF) BCFresh; BCFresh 2 (PDF) Commissioners (PDF) MPL (PDF) Prokam (PDF) Solymosi (PDF) VMC (PDF) |
2022-03-11 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Response CFP Order request |
2022-03-11 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Submission Schedule |
2022-03-10 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Hearing schedule, document disclosure |
2022-03-09 | Prokam | Letter (PDF) CFP Order request |
2022-02-04 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling Affidavit of Brian Meyer |
2022-02-04 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling Regarding Email Sent to Hearing Counsel |
2022-02-03 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling Regarding February 2, 2022 Adjournment Application |
2022-01-30 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling Documents Cabinet Confidence |
2022-01-30 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Ruling Meyer Affidavit Submission Schedule |
2022-01-30 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Meyer Affidavit |
2022-01-26 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Preliminary Matters |
2022-01-24 | MPL | Letter (PDF) Adjournment and Participation |
2022-01-24 | Solymosi | Letter (PDF) Prokam Implied Undertaking |
2022-01-23 | Prokam | Letter (PDF) Relief Witnesses Document Disclosure |
2022-01-21 | Solymosi | Letter (PDF) Re-Prokam MPL Relief Witnesses Documents Adjournment |
2022-01-21 | Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Investigation Process and Prokam MPL Submissions |
2022-01-21 | Commissioners | Letter (PDF) Re-Prokam MPL Relief Witnesses Documents MPL Participation |
2022-01-21 | BCFresh | Letter (PDF) Re-Prokam Relief, Document Orders, Hearing Adjournment |
2022-01-20 | MPL | Letter (PDF) Re-Prokam Adjournment |
2022-01-20 | BCVMC | Letter (PDF) Re-Prokam MPL Relief Witnesses Document Disclosure MPL Participation |
2022-01-18 | Prokam | Letter (PDF) Re-Bifurcated Powers |
2022-01-18 | BCVMC | Letter (PDF) Bifurcated Powers Question |
2022-01-18 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Submissions New Matters and Adjournment |
2022-01-17 | Prokam | Letter (PDF) Witnesses Relief Request Adjournment |
2022-01-17 | Prokam | Letter (PDF) Admissibility of 2008 Transcript of Standing Joint Committee |
2022-01-17 | Commissioners | Letter (PDF) Lead Evidence, Status in Hearing |
2022-01-17 | MPL | Letter (PDF) Rationale for Participation |
2022-01-13 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Extension, Rules of Practice, Witnesses |
2022-01-13 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Participation and Witnesses |
2022-01-11 | MPL | Letter (PDF) Request Lead Evidence Witness Extension |
2022-01-10 | Prokam | Letter (PDF) Request Lead Evidence Witness Extension PreHearing Conf. |
2022-01-10 | BCVMC | Letter (PDF) Admissibility 2008 Transcript Standing Joint Committee |
2022-01-05 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Prehearing Submissions Schedule |
2021-08-20 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Interim Orders on VMC Panels |
2021-08-20 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Document Disclosure Extension for MPL |
2021-08-19 | BC Fresh | BC Fresh re Prokam Marketing (PDF) |
2021-08-19 | MPL | MPL re Document Disclosure Order Extension (PDF) |
2021-07-09 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Interim Orders corrected |
2021-07-09 | BCFIRB | Final Rules of Procedure (PDF) |
2021-05-12 | VMC | VMC re Notice of Claim (PDF) |
2021-05-27 | Prokam | Prokam and CFP re VMC request for decisions (PDF) Prokam and CFP Schedule 1 (PDF) Prokam and CFP Schedule 2 (PDF) Prokam and CFP Schedule 3 (PDF) |
2021-06-25 | Parties |
Commission Members (PDF); Attachment (PDF) |
2021-06-08 | VMC | Letter (PDF) on agency applications and quorum |
2021-06-08 | Hira | Letter (PDF) requesting pre hearing conference rescheduling |
2021-06-04 |
Stakeholders |
Written submissions in response to BCFIRB’s May 26, 2021 Notice of Review. The panel also received submissions with requests that they be received in camera. Those submissions are before the panel. The panel will consider whether it is in the interests of fairness for the submissions to be received on that basis. BC Fresh (PDF) |
2021-05-26 | BCFIRB | Notice of Supervisory Review (PDF) |
2021-06-14 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) on Participation and draft Interim Orders |
2021-06-16 | Bajwa | Written submission (PDF) and attachment (PDF) in response to BCFIRB's May 26, 2021 Notice of Review. |
2021-06-18 | BCFIRB | Notice (PDF) on Pre hearing conference rescheduling |
2021-06-18 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) on Final terms of reference and draft rules of practice and procedure |
2021-06-18 | BCFIRB | Final Terms of Reference (PDF) |
2021-07-09 | Prokam | Letter (PDF) providing clarification from pre hearing conference Prokam Enclosure 1 (PDF) Prokam Enclosure 2 (PDF) Prokam Enclosure 3 (PDF) |
2021-07-14 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Interim Order submission extension approval |
2021-07-19 | Prokam and CFP | Letter (PDF) Response to July 9, 2021 Interim Orders Decision |
2021-07-19 | Newell and Lodder | Letter (PDF) Response to July 9, 2021 Interim Orders Decision |
2021-07-19 | VMC | Letter (PDF) Response to July 9, 2021 Interim Orders Decision |
2021-07-19 | MPL | Letter (PDF) Response to July 9, 2021 Interim Orders Decision |
2021-08-13 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Amended Rules of Procedure and Document Disclosure Order |
2021-08-18 | Prokam | Letter (PDF) Response to July 9, 2021 Interim Orders Decision |
2021-09-10 | BCFIRB | Letter (PDF) Submission request on hearing adjournment and VMC panels composition Appendix A (PDF) Investigation and Hearing Schedule Appendix B (PDF) VMC counsel email re Mr. Royal |
2021-09-13 | VMC | Letter (PDF) Response on VMC panels composition |
2021-09-15 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Interim Orders Panel Amendment |
2021-09-15 | Parties | Responses to hearing adjournment Bajwa Farms (PDF) BCFresh (PDF) Commissioners (PDF) General Manager (PDF) Prokam (PDF) MPL (PDF) VMC (PDF) |
2021-09-16 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Oral Hearing Revised Dates |
2021-09-24 | BCFIRB | Decision (PDF) Interim Order Amending Order 54 |
2021-09-24 | BCFIRB Hearing Counsel | Letter (PDF) Investigation Schedule |
2021-06-11 | BCFIRB | Update (PDF) Allegations Review Update 1 |
2021-10-07 | BCFIRB | Update (PDF) Allegations Review Update 2 |
Enter your email address to subscribe to updates of this page.
Read BCFIRB’s Protection of Confidentiality Rules (PDF) to learn how BCFIRB manages confidential information.