In July, 1988, Scientology came up with a new tactic. Church lawyer Clayton Ruby sent a letter to Ontario Attorney General Ian Scott proposing a deal whereby "possibly millions" of dollars would be given to agencies which help the elderly, poor, and drug addicts, if the government would drop charges against the Church and give them immunity from prosecution. At a press conference on July 26th, church spokesman Cathia Riley said that the church did not insist that charges against individual members be dropped, and urging Scott to suggest an appropriate cash amount.

It turned out that the social agencies were not very happy about the proposal, and Scott was roundly criticized for even considering the deal, which he admitted was an attempt to buy off the prosecution. The idea that people or corporations with deep pockets could be above the law did not sit well with the citizens, and the proposal was quickly refused. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] 5. "R. v. Church of Scientology of Toronto et al.", Canadian Rights Reporter (2d), vol. 9, p. 232.

6. "Ruby outlines case for Scientologists", Globe & Mail, April 22, 1992, p. A13.

7. "Church wanted files, trial told". Globe & Mail, April 23, 1992, p. A17.

8. "Scientologists infiltrated RCMP, Ontario government, trial told", Winnipeg Free Press, April 23, 1992, p. A9.

9. "Scientology trial hears of intrigue and 'plants'", Toronto Star, May 16, 1992, p. A19.

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