Date: 20040123
Docket: A-242-03
Citation: 2004 FCA 33
CORAM: STRAYER J.A.
DESJARDINS J.A.
EVANS J.A.
BETWEEN:
SALVATORE NIGRO
Appellant
and
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
Respondent
Dealt without appearance of counsel at Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, January 23, 2004
JUDGMENT delivered at Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, January 23, 2004
REASONS FOR JUDGMENT BY: STRAYER J.A.
CONCURRED IN BY: DESJARDINS J.A.
EVANS J.A
Date: 20040123
Docket: A-242-03
Citation: 2004 FCA 33
CORAM: STRAYER J.A.
DESJARDINS J.A.
EVANS J.A.
BETWEEN:
SALVATORE NIGRO
Appellant
-and-
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
Respondent
REASONS FOR JUDGMENT
STRAYER J.A.
[1] The appellant filed a notice of appeal on May 28, 2003 in respect of a Tax Court decision of April 25, 2003. After that he filed nothing with this Court except for a copy of a June 18, 2003 letter he sent to the Tax Court.
[2] On December 18, 2003 this Court issued a Notice of Status Review requiring the appellant by written submissions filed on or before January 20, 2004 to show cause why the appeal should not be dismissed for delay.
[3] On January 15, 2004 the appellant stated by letter that he is still trying "to obtain crucial bank account evidence to support my claim". Also, " the key witness is still attempting to find the bank book record to support my claim". He says that because of Christmas holidays with witnesses being out of town he was unable to meet the January 20, 2004 deadline.
[4] First, it should be noted that what the appellant is apparently seeking to do is to introduce new evidence on this appeal. For this he would first have to obtain the leave of this Court and such leave is only given under strict criteria.
[5] Secondly, it is unacceptable to invoke the Christmas holidays as an excuse for not doing something that, if he can do it at all, he should have done before or immediately after he filed his notice of appeal. He was obliged by Rule 343 to obtain agreement within 30 days after filing his notice of appeal as to the contents of the appeal book, or failing that to seek within 10 further days an order of this Court fixing the contents of the appeal book. He has done neither, obviously.
[6] In the circumstances there is no justification for allowing this appeal to continue as the appellant has shown no serious intention to proceed with it. The appeal will therefore be dismissed.
(s) "B.L. Strayer"
J.A.
I concur
"Alice Desjardins" J.A.
I agree
"John M. Evans" J.A.
NAMES OF COUNSEL AND SOLICITORS OF RECORD
DOCKET: A-242-03
STYLE OF CAUSE: Salvatore Nigro v. Her Majesty the Queen
MOTION DEALT WITH IN WRITING WITHOUT APPEARANCE OF PARTIES
REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE STRAYER
DATED: January 23, 2004
WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS:
Mr. Salvatore Nigro
Toronto, Ontario ON HIS OWN BEHALF
Ms. Eleanor H. Thorn
Toronto, Ontario FOR THE RESPONDENT
SOLICITORS OF RECORD:
Mr. Salvatore Nigro
Toronto, Ontario ON HIS OWN BEHALF
Mr. Morris Rosenberg
Deputy Attorney General of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario FOR THE RESPONDENT
.