City councillor Brian Skakun entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday to the charge of violating the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Skakun allegedly released a confidential city human resources report to the CBC on Aug. 18, 2008.

The Heller Report detailed a consultant’s investigation of former Prince George RCMP Supt. Dahl Chambers’ common-law relationship with Ann Bailey, a senior civilian worker at the detachment. In addition, the report examined allegations of harassment against Chambers from former city police support services manager Ken Corrigan.

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act prohibits the disclosure of personal information by officers of the city. City councillors were presented the report in a closed council meeting in August.

The report was later published on CBC’s Web site, accompanying a story by local CBC reporter Betsy Trumpener.

In his arraignment report, Skakun’s lawyer Jon Duncan said that Skakun is seeking protection under legislation which protects whistle blowers.

“My estimate is 10 trial days,” Duncan said.

A representative for the Crown said the Crown is intending to call 18 witnesses, “in order to prove the underlying facts.”

A date for the pretrial hearing wasn’t set during Skakun’s brief appearance in court Tuesday morning.

Skakun declined to comment following the court hearing and CBC provincial news director Wayne Williams said the broadcaster will not confirm or deny the source of their information.

Skakun could face up to a $2,000 fine under the rarely used section of the privacy act.