VANCOUVER - The suspended sergeant-at-arms of the B.C. legislature has submitted his resignation, effective immediately.
Gary Lenz was suspended from his high-ranking position in November 2018 following allegations of questionable purchases and inappropriate workplace vacations that were levelled by Speaker Darryl Plecas’s office.
Lenz was accused of misspending alongside the legislature clerk, Craig James, who has already resigned.
Lenz has denied any wrongdoing for months.
Back in May, retired Supreme Court Justice Beverly McLachlin released a report on the allegations, and did not find Lenz had committed any misconduct. At the time, the sergeant-at-arms said he was vindicated by the findings and that he hoped to return to work.
“There continues to be an opportunity to move in a positive direction and I look forward to resuming my services to the people of British Columbia at the earliest convenience,” said Lenz on May 16.
The decision comes as the public awaits the results of an independent investigation requested by Plecas’s office. CTV News has learned through a source that Lenz has seen the findings of that probe.
There is also still an ongoing RCMP investigation into allegations at the legislature.
On Tuesday afternoon, Lenz released a statement lamenting the end of his time in the legislature, which he said was served “with loyalty and integrity.”
“I have carried out my duties for the people of British Columbia with the utmost integrity and am proud of the many initiatives that have been put in place during my time as sergeant-at-arms,” Lenz wrote.
“However, I no longer believe that I can continue to work for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. After considerable reflection, I have concluded that the damage that has been done to my reputation will never be fully repaired, and that if I continued as sergeant-at-arms, I would be doing a disservice to my office.”
The new sergeant-at-arms will be appointed by the Legislative Assembly, as set out in the Constitution Act.
