Rainy River Cattlemen's Association being sued for wrongful dismissal

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association held their Annual General Meeting last Wednesday in Stratton, but did not hold elections as per usual.
Current RRCA President Ken McKinnon informed the membership that due to an outstanding legal matter he asked Ag. Rep. Gary Sliworsky what options they have with regards to elections.
Sliworsky said that basically there are no options. He said that a similar instance occurred elsewhere five years ago and the board under litigation stayed on until the matter was resolved.
For RRCA the matter involves former Sales Barn Manager Russell Richards. His son and spouse were at the meeting Wednesday and told the Record that he had a ten year contract with RRCA and had four years left when he was dismissed.
His son said that his dad is suing RRCA for wrongful dismissal. According to his son, Russell is suing for $120,000 the balance owing on the contract.
His wife said that members of RRCA came to their house numerous times and tried to get Russell to quit, but he refused.
President McKinnon refused to comment on the lawsuit. He also would not confirm whether or not the RRCA has insurance to protect them from such litigation.
RRCA member Ken McDonald introduced a motion to have the current board of directors stay on until the matter is resolved. It was seconded by Steve Loshaw.
Loshaw spoke to the motion before the vote was called telling the membership, “I don’t know what the impact of the pending lawsuit will be, but the only assets we (RRCA) own is the cattle barn. As members that is what is at stake.”
The motion carried with no one voting against it.
The only offices not affected by the suit were that of Ontario Cattlemen’s Advisory Council and two voting delegates to the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Annual General Meeting. Kim Jo Bliss was elected to the first position with Stefan Szeder as alternate. Clayton Teeple and Shawn Hyatt were elected to the OCA meeting positions.