Liberals’ fundraising practises subject of probe

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s Liberals say their fundraising practices are transparent and the party will co-operate fully with an Elections BC review of potential Election Act violations involving indirect political donations by lobbyists.

“We have nothing that we have done wrong, nothing to hide from any inquiries Elections BC has,” Rich Coleman, deputy premier and Liberal party campaign co-chairman, said Monday.

“The reality is our party runs by the rules.”

Keith Archer, B.C.’s chief electoral officer, said in a statement Elections BC will review allegations that include indirect political contributions and other potential contraventions of the Election Act. He cited sections 186 and 190 of the Election Act that outline restrictions on political contributions and requirements to record information about each contributor.

Penalties for violating the financing provisions of the Election Act are a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for a term of not longer than one year, or both.

Elections BC said media reports resulted in the review.

“The scope of Elections BC’s investigation into this matter is openended and will depend on how our review progresses. Following our investigation, this matter may be forwarded to the Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Justice if it appears that the Election Act has been contravened,” it said.