Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


PKI incorporation emerges as key issue

Thursday, December 4, 2008

© Copyright AgMedia Inc

by BETTER FARMING STAFF

On Wednesday, in an Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Bankruptcy and Insolvency, Arlan Galbraith’s lawyer filed his client’s intention to dispute an application to declare him bankrupt. Galbraith is the founder of Pigeon King International, Inc., a Waterloo, Ontario-based pigeon breeding company. When the company folded earlier this year, hundreds of contracted pigeon breeders in Canada and the United States were left with worthless birds.

James Wiersma, of Fishersville, Ontario, one of four creditor-appointed inspectors in the PKI bankruptcy, claims Galbraith personally owes him nearly $23,000 under the terms of a pigeon-breeding contract. He alleges others are owed much more.

Galbraith is not only asking the court to dismiss Wiersma’s application, but also to repeal the Nov. 12 appointment of BDO Dunwoody as interim receiver. BDO is also PKI’s bankruptcy trustee.

He’s claiming that he’s been able to pay his debts and doesn’t owe Wiersma anything, or if he does, it’s under $1,000. He claims it’s another company that owes the money and alleges Wiersma is using “this court as a collection agency.”
 
All claims have yet to be proven in court.

Documentation surrounding Galbraith’s 2007 incorporation of PKI may become a key issue, suggests correspondence between the parties’ lawyers.

On Nov. 28, Waterloo lawyer Steven Gadbois, who represents Galbraith, asked BDO’s lawyer, Frank Highley, for all records of personal transactions Galbraith might have had with contract breeders. Gadbois also requested documents related to the incorporation of PKI.

“We do not recall any files related to the incorporation of Pigeon King from the sole proprietorship,” was Highley’s same-day response. “The Trustee seized a variety of other records being primarily banking records.”

BDO spokesperson Susan Taves, confirms that when the company became PKI’s bankruptcy trustee last summer, they seized nearly all office records. “We have about 50 boxes of records,” ranging from financial and breeder documents to corporate correspondence and marketing materials, she says.

On top of that, Galbraith voluntarily provided other records, including records previous to PKI’s incorporation.

Yet, when reviewing these, Taves doesn’t recall seeing much documentation about how Galbraith publicized his business’ incorporation.

“The fundamental question here (that Galbraith’s lawyer is trying to find out) is what did he do at the time when he incorporated?” she says. “And I’m not sure we saw anything specific to that.”

In the meantime, BDO remains Galbraith’s interim, court-appointed receiver to protect assets until a decision about bankruptcy is made.

Among these may be proceeds from the recent sale of Galbraith’s Waterloo home that were seized by the Canada Revenue Agency. Taves says BDO has contacted the agency, which is now seeking legal advice.

On Dec. 9, lawyers representing both sides plan to ask the judge for a special appointment hearing. That hearing likely won’t take place until the new year.

In its heyday, PKI sold pigeon breeding pairs for as much as $500 and bought back offspring for up to $50 each. BF

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online

Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online

HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer

Thursday, July 17, 2025

HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online

Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start

Monday, July 14, 2025

Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top