VICTORIA - B.C.'s top judge has weighed in on the debate surrounding former premier Gordon Campbell's selection for one of the province's highest honours.

Chief Justice Lance Finch said Wednesday in a one-page statement that he wants to clarify misunderstandings related to Campbell's appointment to the Order of B.C. last week.

Finch, chairman of the independent Order of B.C. Advisory Council that selects recipients, said the provincial law governing nominations and appointments for the award states that a person who is elected to municipal, provincial or federal office is not eligible to be appointed to the Order of B.C. while holding office.

"The nomination package for Mr. Campbell was received on March 10, 2011," said Finch's statement. "Mr. Campbell was appointed to the Order of British Columbia on Sept. 2, 2011. At that time, he was not an elected MLA."

Finch cited the Provincial Symbols and Honours Act, which governs nominations and appointments.

He said the act allows any person or organization to submit a nomination to the advisory council.

Campbell announced last November he would step down as premier and Liberal leader once the party had held a leadership convention.

The Liberals elected Premier Christy Clark to replace Campbell last February.

Campbell remained a member of the legislature until March 15. He did not hold elected office on Sept. 2.

Opposition New Democrat House Leader John Horgan said he's been fielding complaints from people who feel Campbell's appointment was made too soon and many people have questions about the rules surrounding appointments.

Horgan sent a letter Tuesday to the Speaker of the legislature Bill Barisoff seeking to clarify the rules governing the appointment of individuals to the Order of B.C.

"Mr. Campbell was a member of the legislature until his resignation on March 15, 2011," said Horgan's letter. "As Mr. Campbell was an elected representative after the closing of applications, could you please provide an explanation as to how the application was approved?"

Horgan said Wednesday he is not questioning Finch's statement that Campbell was not an elected official when he was appointed to the Order of B.C. last week.

But Horgan said he and others remain concerned that he was nominated while still holding elected office.

"Five months have passed since he resigned and he's appointed in the earliest opportunity," said Horgan.

"I just don't know if that was in the public interest. I don't know if that was in his interest and I'm not sure it was in the interest of the integrity of the process."