The CEO of a company hired by Gitxsan Bio-Energy to supply technology and construction management for the new bio-energy facility in Carnaby doesn’t think his legal woes will affect the project.
Global Bio-Energy of Vancouver was hired to find the best technology to torrefy densified wood fibre and to design the plant.
The head of GBCE, John Bennett is currently involved in several litigations with his former company, Bennett Environmental Inc. including suits for damages from the company.
“Mr. Bennett is also appealing conspiracy charges brought against him by the U.S. Department of Justice several years ago arising out of illegal activities by former employees of the company,” said in an e-mail from the company.
“Mr. Bennett has consistently and adamantly defended himself against these charges and has now taken his case to the Supreme Court of Canada. Mr. Bennett has no financial interests in any current or planned projects in B.C. or elsewhere in Canada but is acting solely as a supplier of advanced torrefaction technology and as a project advisor.”
The $26 million energy project will be owned jointly by Suskwa and Gitsegukla First Nations and Korean investors.
Jack Sebastian, spokesperson for the Suskwa First Nations had not heard about Bennett’s legal troubles when the Interior News called him about it. He is hoping it won’t affect the project.
The plant will be located on First Nations’ property adjacent to the CN Rail line, 216 km east of Prince Rupert.
Construction is expected to start this summer and will take about nine months to complete.