Tracy Kitch, former CEO of the IWK children’s hospital, has secured her release from jail while she appeals a fraud conviction. She appeared before a justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court on Monday morning following a weekend in custody.

Last week, Kitch received a 90-day sentence for misusing her corporate credit card to cover more than $30,000 in personal expenses at the Halifax-based hospital. She continues to assert her innocence.

Appeal Grounds

In her appeal filing, Kitch contends that trial Judge Ronda van der Hoek committed a legal error by ruling that employees at public institutions cannot use public funds for personal purposes under any circumstances. The appeal further alleges that the judge misinterpreted certain evidence and overlooked other key details. A hearing is scheduled for September 14.

Release Conditions

Kitch is now free under strict conditions. She must reside with her husband in their Toronto apartment, surrender her passport, and remain in the country. Her husband has posted a $20,000 surety to guarantee compliance.

Conviction History

This September conviction marks the second time Kitch, who led the IWK from 2014 to 2017, has been found guilty of defrauding the hospital. In March 2023, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal overturned her initial conviction, citing the trial judge’s failure to sufficiently explain the reasoning behind the guilty verdict.