Calian Technologies to keep Larry O'Brien on board

Calian Technologies Ltd. will keep Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien on its board despite him being charged Monday with two criminal offences related to the 2006 mayoral race.

O'Brien is Calian's founder and was chairman of the high technology services firm in Ottawa until his election victory in 2006.

"Mr. O'Brien has been a valuable member of the company's board since its inception," Calian chairman Kenneth Loeb said in a statement issued Tuesday.

"Subject to TSX regulatory input and Mr. O'Brien having sufficient time to devote to the company's affairs, the board of directors has concluded that until the issue is resolved through the legal system, Mr. O'Brien will continue to have a positive impact on the company and therefore his departure from the board is considered unwarranted," said Loeb.

The charges concern allegations that O'Brien offered to help rival Terry Kilrea secure a job on the National Parole Board if Kilrea left the mayoral race.

O'Brien is charged with pretending to have influence with the federal government or with a minister of the government when he allegedly made the offer to Kilrea.

The second charge is that O'Brien negotiated an appointment contrary to Sec. 125 of the Criminal Code, influencing or negotiating appointments or dealing in offices.

O'Brien has denied the allegations, which have not been proven in court. Brien's first court appearance is slated for Jan. 9.

A lawyer for O'Brien expects the trial to take place in late 2008 or early 2009.

The maximum penalty for a conviction under each of the charges is five years in prison.