In December 2013, the Attorney General of Canada filed a Request for Direction regarding the implementation of the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) by the Corporation of Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential School Settlement (CCEPIRSS). Specifically, Canada sought clarity from the courts on CCEPIRSS’ deduction of legal fees from its financial payments under IRSSA. In January 2014, CCEPIRSS filed a response. Affidavits were submitted by both parties and cross-examinations followed. Canada cross-examined Lionel Nolet, who was a Chartered Professional Accountant and a partner in the firm of Marcil Lavallée, the external auditors for the Corporation of CCEPIRSS. Nolet was cross-examined by Anne McConville, counsel for the Attorney General of Canada. Gordon Kuski and W.R. (Rod) Donlevy appeared for the Plaintiffs and Alexander Gay and Anne McConville appeared for the Defendents. Pamela Stellick, a senior analyst with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), and Pierre Baribeau, a lawyer and the official representative of CCEPIRSS, were also present.

In the cross-examination, McConville asks Nolet about the external audit of CCEPIRSS in relation to its financial commitments under IRSSA, with a particular focus on the administrative expenses for CCEPIRSS.