Former Prince George Airport CEO denies allegations, files wrongful dismissal counterclaim

According to the court filing, Ritchie says any materials removed from the airport were packed in plain view of airport directors and staff on the day of his dismissal. He alleges airport employees loaded the boxes and the airport authority arranged and paid for their shipment.

The airport authority has alleged documents stored in a filing cabinet in Ritchie’s office were missing after his departure. Ritchie disputes that claim, stating the cabinet contained historical records he did not create and that its contents had been reviewed and redistributed months before his dismissal. He further argues the authority had exclusive control of the office after Oct. 2 and has not identified any document that is actually missing.

Ritchie served as president and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority Inc. from July 1, 2025 until his dismissal on Oct. 2, 2026. In a separate counterclaim, he alleges he was terminated without cause despite an employment agreement that provided for 12 months’ notice or compensation in lieu of notice.

Court documents state Ritchie’s compensation package included a $240,000 annual salary, pension contributions, flex benefits, a vehicle allowance and six weeks of annual vacation. He is seeking damages equivalent to 12 months’ compensation, along with unpaid vacation pay, benefits and pension contributions.

The counterclaim alleges the dispute began when the airport authority placed Ritchie on paid administrative leave on May 21, 2026, suspended his access to airport systems and took possession of his laptop, keys and records. Ritchie claims he was promised reasonable access to documents needed to respond to allegations against him but that promise was never kept.

The filing states the airport authority retained HM Aero Aviation Consulting to conduct an investigation. Ritchie alleges he was never provided with the consultant’s report, witness statements or details of allegations made against him.

According to the counterclaim, Ritchie was first asked to provide a written response to allegations on Sept. 21, 2026 and was given less than two days to do so while still lacking access to company records. He submitted a response on Sept. 23, noting it was based on memory because he had been denied access to documents.

Ritchie alleges there was no cause for dismissal and claims some of the grounds relied upon by the airport authority were never put to him before his termination. He also argues performance and workplace relationship concerns cited by the authority had never previously been raised as disciplinary matters.

The former CEO says he generated significant value for the airport during his tenure, including recovering approximately $500,000 in long-outstanding debt from an airline within 48 hours and strengthening relationships with commercial carriers operating at the airport.

The counterclaim also accuses the airport authority of conducting itself in bad faith both during and after the termination process. Among the allegations, Ritchie claims the authority withheld details of allegations against him, refused to provide investigation materials, disconnected a cellphone number he says he personally owned, and delayed the return of trailers and other personal belongings.

Ritchie alleges the cellphone number had belonged to him for years before joining the airport authority and was linked to banking, medical and insurance accounts. He claims the authority agreed to keep the number active while it was transferred back to him but instead disconnected it, causing missed communications and additional costs.

The airport authority’s original lawsuit also alleged Ritchie improperly retained a company cellphone. In his response, he argues the number was his personal property and notes the device was returned on Oct. 21.

The counterclaim further alleges the airport authority improperly withheld access to Ritchie’s personal information stored on company-controlled email, OneDrive and laptop accounts, and obtained a court order against him without notice despite being aware he was represented by legal counsel.

Ritchie is seeking damages for wrongful dismissal, aggravated damages, punitive damages, compensation for the alleged detention of personal property, release of his cellphone number, access to personal information held by the airport authority, interest and legal costs.

He also alleges the airport authority’s actions have damaged his reputation and future employment prospects in the aviation sector. The filing notes that media coverage of the airport authority’s lawsuit made the allegations against him a matter of public record within the industry.

None of the allegations contained in the airport authority’s civil claim, Ritchie’s response or his counterclaim have been proven in court. The matter remains before the B.C. Supreme Court.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Former Prince George Airport CEO denies allegations, files wrongful dismissal counterclaim

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