For the sake of everyone involved, and especially for the public good, the reasons for the suspensions of two senior legislative officers need to be revealed sooner rather than later.
Clerk of the legislature Craig James and sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz were abruptly suspended with pay Tuesday and marched out of the legislature by police officers. The two officials were told only that the RCMP have launched a criminal investigation in connection with their administrative duties; they say they have no idea what it is about.
To be subjected to such public shaming is harsh punishment, especially given that no charges have been laid, no trial has been conducted. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, the reputations of two persons have been irreparably damaged.
Should the investigation lead to charges and convictions, eroded reputations will be of much lesser consideration, but it behooves those overseeing the investigation to as open as possible, as soon as possible. The accused have a right to confront their accusers, to know what they are accused of and to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a proper trial.
And the public has a right — even a need — to know what is going on with our government. The involvement of two of the most important appointed officials in the legislature has ramifications throughout the whole structure. The potential for collateral damage and unintended consequences is great.
One commentator said the suspension of two such high-ranking officials is unprecedented in the history of Commonwealth parliaments. But there are disturbing precedents in the B.C. legislature, incidents where scandals were badly handled, and the smoke from those incidents has not yet cleared.
Premier John Horgan expressed shock and concern Tuesday about the suspensions, eerily reminiscent of what happened in 2012. On her first day on the job as health minister, Margaret MacDiarmid announced, with concern and horror, that an investigation had revealed serious allegations of inappropriate data access and conflicts of interest. She couldn’t say what those allegations were.
In MacDiarmid’s defence, she was badly informed by those who should have known better. The matter was compounded by a series of bungled investigations until it was determined the allegations were unfounded. People lost their jobs, their reputations and their peace of mind. One person took his life. Apologies have been issued, some people were reinstated and compensation has been paid, but the damage, the scars and the pain have not been wholly erased. Questions linger still.
In 2003, the RCMP, while investigating a drug-smuggling ring, came across unrelated information about the activities of two ministerial aides, Dave Basi and Bob Virk. The aides were suspended, offices at the legislature and other locations were raided and the subsequent investigation uncovered improper dealings connected with the sale of B.C. Rail to CN Rail.
The investigation and subsequent trial dragged on until 2010, when Basi and Virk suddenly pleaded guilty in a deal that saw the provincial government pick up the $6-million tab for their legal expenses. They were sentenced to two years less a day under house arrest on charges of breach of trust and accepting bribes.
As in the case of the Health Ministry firings, questions remain unanswered.
Yes, investigations take time to be conducted properly and must, by necessity, be conducted in confidentiality. But this didn’t just suddenly spring up. The need for a special prosecutor was identified by the RCMP nearly two months ago, and two were appointed. It appears that Speaker Darryl Plecas had concerns 10 months ago.
Surely, those involved knew what a bombshell they would be dropping and should have been prepared to minimize the damage. Surely, they would have known the necessity of being as open as possible as soon as the matter became public. Surely, they would have had an action plan to reassure British Columbians that the hands at the helm of government are steady despite the storm.
We hope this investigation and subsequent proceedings will be resolved expeditiously and satisfactorily, and not be dragged out for months and years, but we’re not particularly optimistic.
James and Lenz are entitled to know the nature of the accusations against them. It is even more important that British Columbians are party to that information.
You have filled the room with smoke; now let us see the fire.
