'Can never happen again': Political reaction to court ruling in B.C. legislature spending scandal
The legislative spending scandal started with a moment many won't soon forget: The top official, who was supposed to be appointed for life, being escorted out of the building and placed on administrative leave.
Premier John Horgan said that started a dark chapter for many who work at the legislature.
"It was a difficult time for the people who worked here," said Horgan, adding: "It was definitely a blow to all of those who care about this place."
With allegations of lavish spending and few controls of how taxpayer dollars were being used, public confidence was shaken. The Legislative Assembly Management Committee faced questions about whether top officials spent taxpayer dollars like it was the Wild West.
Government house leader Mike Farnworth is on that committee.
"I think all of us in this building were disappointed by the events that took place. It was a very sad day for this institution," he told reporters on Wednesday, after former legislature clerk Craig James was found guilty of fraud and breach of trust.
Farnworth also pointed to work that's been happening to tighten controls and proactively and publicly disclose expenses.
That includes new spending controls, strengthened workplace policies, more oversight and clear direction on accountabilities.
Farnworth called the changes "significant," saying they will "ensure what happened with Mr. James can never happen again."
For months, then speaker Darryl Plecas battled to prove the wrongdoing he saw was criminal. He asked for independent reports to verify the claims.
The new speaker, Raj Chouhan, wasn't available for an interview. In a statement, he outlined many of the activities taking place to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent with care.
The statement reads, in part: “With enhanced oversight and increased transparency, we are a leader in parliamentary governance in Canada.”
Given the breach of trust and fraud convictions, asking the public to have faith may be a big ask.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.