Prince George Airport Authority fires President & CEO, then sues for taking confidential material

Court filings state the airport authority received reports alleging Ritchie had engaged in misconduct during his tenure. The allegations include claims that he directed employees to physically blockade an aircraft and mislead the aircraft’s owner regarding the situation, became involved in a physical altercation with an individual, and manipulated a procurement process.

The airport authority says Ritchie was placed on paid administrative leave while an investigation was conducted. According to the lawsuit, the investigation substantiated the allegations and led to his termination for cause.

The lawsuit alleges that before Ritchie’s termination meeting, airport officials moved sensitive company records from his office into a locked filing cabinet. Those documents reportedly included a draft commercial lease agreement, a confidential report prepared by aviation consulting firm InterVISTAS, and an original document signed by representatives of the City of Prince George, the airport authority, and delegates from China.

According to the court filing, Ritchie was escorted to his office by three board members after the termination meeting so he could collect his personal belongings. The airport authority alleges Ritchie spent approximately two hours packing nine boxes before leaving the building.

The airport authority claims the office was not accessed again until October 6, when staff discovered the filing cabinet had been unlocked and documents stored inside were missing.

The lawsuit alleges the missing records contain commercially sensitive information, including details involving airport contracts and business partners, employee compensation information, and personal information belonging to staff members.

The airport authority also alleges Ritchie failed to return a company-issued cellphone paid for by the organization. According to court filings, officials requested the phone during the October 2 termination meeting, but Ritchie allegedly said he did not have it with him.

In a separate application filed with the court, the authority alleges a cellphone rang from Ritchie’s pocket during the meeting. The application further alleges Ritchie later indicated he intended to delete the contents of the device despite repeated requests to return it.

The PGAA argues the aviation and transportation industry in British Columbia is highly competitive and that disclosure of confidential information could seriously damage the airport’s competitive position. The authority also argues that employee personal information contained in the records creates additional privacy and reputational concerns.

The lawsuit seeks the return of all airport authority property, including the cellphone, documents, and any copies of confidential information. The authority is also seeking general, special, and punitive damages, court costs, and interest.

Court filings state the airport authority believes it would suffer irreparable harm if the records or information contained on the phone were disclosed, copied, destroyed, or shared with others.

CKPG News reached out to the Prince George Airport Authority for comment and received this statement:

“Geoff Ritchie is no longer with the Prince George Airport Authority. During this transition, members of PGAA’s Senior Leadership Team will rotate through the Acting CEO role. The Board of Directors will lead the recruitment of PGAA’s next President and CEO.”

As of Friday, Ritchie had not filed a response to the civil claim, and none of the allegations have been proven in court.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Prince George Airport Authority fires President & CEO, then sues for taking confidential material

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