Tracy Kitch, former CEO of the IWK children’s hospital, has gained release from jail while she appeals her fraud conviction. She appeared before a justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court on Monday morning to secure her freedom.
Sentencing and Charges
Kitch spent the weekend behind bars following a 90-day sentence handed down last week. The court found her guilty of stealing more than $30,000 from the Halifax hospital by charging personal expenses to her corporate credit card during her tenure as CEO from 2014 to 2017.
Appeal Arguments
Kitch maintains her innocence. Her appeal documents contend that trial Judge Ronda van der Hoek erred in law by ruling that no employee at a public institution may use public funds for personal purposes without exceptions. The appeal further alleges the judge misinterpreted certain evidence and overlooked other key details.
The appeal hearing is scheduled for September 14.
Release Conditions
She remains free under strict conditions, including residing with her husband in their Toronto apartment, surrendering her passport, and refraining from leaving the country. Her husband has posted a $20,000 surety to guarantee compliance.
Case History
This September conviction represents the second time Kitch has been found guilty of defrauding the hospital. In March 2023, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal overturned the initial conviction, citing the first trial judge’s failure to sufficiently explain the reasons for the ruling.
