A former Liberal MLA and cabinet minister has filed a conflict of interest complaint against Premier Christy Clark.
Abbotsford-South MLA John van Dongen alleges that Christy Clark violated the Conflict of Interest Act when she attended cabinet meetings as Education Minister in 2003, cabinet meetings at which he claims the pending sale of BC Rail must have been discussed.
Clark did absent herself from the Nvember 2003 cabinet meeting that saw the sale approved, citing a possible conflict of interest herself—but van Dongen says there is no indication she sat out those previous cabinet meetings.
He’s asked conflict commissioner Paul Fraser to investigate including possibly compelling testimony from Clark.
Fraser’s office will only confirm a complaint has been received and will not comment further.
Premier Christy Clark says she will cooperate with any conflict probe if one goes ahead.
“And I will absolutely cooperate with anything the commissioner asks, I have always always conducted myself with an absolute abundance of caution, absolutely honourably and you know if this resolves any questions that he might have in his mind, I think that’s a good thing.”
John van Dongen cited lingering questions around the BC Rail sale as one of his reasons for leaving the BC Liberals earlier this year.
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