Canada: B.C. MLA to be Interviewed by RCMP Regarding Allegations Against Conservative Leader

Ian Paton, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Delta South, has confirmed that he is scheduled to be interviewed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The interview will address allegations that B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay offered him a paid position in exchange for his resignation from the legislature.

Paton stated to Black Press Media that two RCMP officers will be visiting his office for the interview. Findlay was elected as the leader of the Conservative Party without holding a seat in the legislature, which necessitated that someone from the party step down to allow her to run in a byelection.

According to Paton, Findlay proposed an advisory staff role to him if he would resign. Additionally, a recording has surfaced on social media that allegedly captures Findlay offering an “advisory” position to a group of MLAs in exchange for their resignations during a caucus meeting in Penticton in July.

In response to the allegations, Findlay characterized them as a “political smear job and nothing more.” She stated, “These were normal political discussions that respect the boundaries of the law and ethics.” The authenticity of the recording has been confirmed by individuals who were present at the meeting.

Reann Gasper, another MLA, ultimately decided to resign her seat in Abbotsford-Mission to create an opportunity for Findlay to run. The byelection for that seat is scheduled for September 26, and Gasper has since been appointed as Findlay’s deputy chief of staff.

Under Canada’s Criminal Code, it is illegal to offer any form of “reward or profit” in exchange for the resignation of an elected official. Paton indicated that Findlay’s chief of staff, Chris Delaney, informed him that the proposed role would offer compensation equivalent to his MLA salary, which is approximately $122,000 per year. Paton mentioned that he declined the offer, initially unaware that it might be considered improper.

Despite the potential legal implications of the offer, Paton expressed dissatisfaction with communication and other issues under Findlay’s leadership, leading him to resign from the party shortly thereafter. In recent weeks, six other MLAs have also left the party.

Paton noted that he believes the RCMP has already interviewed at least two other individuals who may have received similar offers. One of these individuals is Rosalyn Bird, the MLA for Prince George-Valemount. When approached for comment, Bird refrained from disclosing whether she had been interviewed by the RCMP but acknowledged that Findlay had asked her for her seat.

Bird stated, “The only thing I’m willing to say on record is that Kerry-Lynne Findlay did ask me for my seat. Any other details regarding what those conversations looked like in detail, I am not willing to comment on.”

Regarding the allegations, Bird mentioned that there are “agencies responsible” for determining the significance of any improprieties, but she emphasized that it is “not for me to decide.”

The RCMP has confirmed that they are aware of the recording circulating on social media but have not disclosed whether a formal investigation is currently underway. Staff Sgt. Kris Clark stated, “Generally speaking, the RCMP does not confirm or deny any investigation, or the identity of any person who may be subject to an investigation, until such time as charges have been laid.”

Additionally, the B.C. Prosecution Service has declined to comment on whether a special prosecutor has been assigned to the case, citing internal policy.

Source: lakecowichangazette.com