Top business developer accused of not filing taxes for nine years

Tim LeClair (SREDA)

A top Saskatoon business developer accused of not filing income tax for nearly a decade is now on immediate leave.

Tim LeClair, the president and CEO of Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, is charged with nine counts of failing to file tax returns from 2003 to 2011.

Each charge could carry a fine ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 or up to 12 months in jail.

SREDA works to recruit businesses to Saskatoon. The group is part of the Consider Canada City Alliance, a 12-city effort to recruit international business to Canada.

LeClair joined Mayor Don Atchison, who sits on SREDA’s board, on a trip to China last April to promote business opportunities in the city.

The board’s chair, Bruce Richet, said LeClair will be on leave until the group investigates the allegations.

“We take these charges very seriously,” Richet said. “Mr. LeClair is on immediate leave while we conduct our investigation. Once our investigation is complete, we will be prepared to speak on the issue.”

LeClair was unavailable to comment. He is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon provincial court May 15.

He also faces charges of failing to appear in court.

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with files from the Canadian Press