Key Points:
- Trial Decision:
- Breen's wrongful dismissal action was dismissed.
- Breen was found to have breached fiduciary duties as President and CEO, including making misrepresentations and using company funds for personal benefit.
- Liabilities:
- $55,974.90 USD and $110,250 CAD for gifts to his corporation.
- $113,000 USD for fraudulent agent fees.
- $200,000 CAD in damages.
- $50,000 CAD in punitive damages.
- Costs Award:
- Foremost Group sought full indemnity costs; Breen argued for party-party costs.
- The court referenced Alberta Rules of Court and precedents, determining full indemnity costs were warranted due to Breen's misconduct.
- Assessment:
- Proportionality and reasonableness were key considerations.
- Costs were allocated to avoid double counting between the wrongful dismissal action and the counterclaim.
- Final Costs:
- Fees: $714,931.16
- Taxable Disbursements: $23,832.64
- Non-taxable Disbursements: $102,034.19
- GST: $36,938.19
- Total: $877,736.18
The court emphasized that costs should reflect the complexity of the case and the conduct of the parties, resulting in a significant award to Foremost Group.