By Canadian Press

Bail hearing in RCMP secrets case begins, expected to last two days

Oct 17, 2019 | 9:37 AM

OTTAWA — A bail hearing is underway for Cameron Jay Ortis, a senior RCMP official accused of breaching official-secrets law.

Ortis, 47, faces charges of violating the Security of Information Act and breach of trust for allegedly trying to disclose classified information to an unspecified foreign entity or terrorist group. 

He faces a total of seven counts against under various provisions, dating from as early as Jan. 1, 2015, through to Sept. 12 of this year.

Unlike the case for many criminal offences, Ortis has the burden of demonstrating why he should be freed on bail while he awaits trial on the secrets-law charges.

Evidence at the bail hearing is subject to a publication ban.

CITY HALL

Medicine Hat women's shelter pitches council on supporting critical construction project

18h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Health foundation's 'Toybox Tuesday' drive aims to bring comfort to Medicine Hat's pediatric ward

22h ago

CITY HALL

'Taylor Drift', 'Darth Blader' and 'Blizzard Wizard' to hit Medicine Hat streets

Nov 04, 2024

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki has said the allegations against Ortis are extremely unsettling, given that he had access to intelligence from domestic and international allies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2019.

The Canadian Press