February 17, 2009 News

Lyonnais in default

Student council’s ex-bookkeeper to owe over a quarter of a million in damages.

by Clare Raspopow

Lyonnais' alleged cash grab will force her to pay a hefty price.
GRAPHIC Christopher Olson & Sebastien Cadieux

Marie Lyonnais might soon owe the Concordia Student Union and CUSACorp over $360,000.

According to Paul Harinen, a clerk at the Superior Court of Quebec, by not filing a statement of defence in the required time period and failing to officially retain a lawyer, Lyonnais has gone into default; the case is automatically ruled against her.

Both the CSU and CUSACorp claim that through a combination of financial mismanagement, fraud and neglect, Lyonnais—who was bookkeeper for both organizations for a period of seven years—cost the two organizations $363,238.25 and they are suing her to retrieve the money.

Jean-Pierre Michaud, who is representing both the CSU and CUSACorp, said that a lawyer contacted him just last week claiming Lyonnais had retained him, but that he would not find out for sure until later this week.

Lyonnais could still avoid default if, upon arriving at the scheduled court appearance with lawyer in tow, the judge presiding over the hearing grants her an extension, explained Harinen.

If she does not get an extension, the case will be sent directly to judgment.

Lyonnais did not return The Link’s phone calls.

The CSU, CUSACorp and Lyonnais are still due to appear in court on Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. in room 2.16 of the Palais de Justice.