MLA Linda Reid’s statement on spending
although details have not been released. James and Lenz were not immediately available for comment Tuesday, but in a statement Monday they said they only just learned of the report’s contents and the allegations will be shown to be untrue. Until the report was released, James and Lenz said they did not know what they were accused Richmond: Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond South Centre said on Wednesday, “I am encouraged to see the Legislative Assembly Management Committee unanimously approve a comprehensive financial audit of the issues raised in the report from the Speaker. The
are confident that time will show that they are completely false and untrue,” said their statement. “To be publicly accused of these things after months of secret investigation without being given any chance to respond is contrary to all principles of fairness and decent treatment.” The report was released by the legislative assembly management BC Liberal Caucus has been calling for this action for months, and it is critical for the public’s confidence in their Legislature that we receive an accurate and independent review of spending.
“As the auditor conducts their investigation, I will make myself fully available.
aware of the release of Plecas’s report and its investigation is ongoing.
Plecas sits an Independent in the legislature after he was expelled from the Liberal caucus when he took the Speaker’s job, helping the NDP to form a minority government.
The report alleges overspending on trips overseas with questionable I will work with the auditor and any other investigators to ensure the protection of taxpayer dollars. I feel it’s important to respect the process of the current investigations in order to ensure the public is provided with a full account of the entire situation.”
of dollars; inappropriate payouts of cash in lieu of vacation in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and instances where thousands of dollars of alcohol and equipment may have been misappropriated from the legislative assembly.
One of the allegations made in the report involves the legislature’s purchase of a