B.C. Liberals praise and rehire former McGuinty aide facing criminal charges
VICTORIA• Premier Christy Clark’s B.C. Liberal Party has rehired Laura Miller to the role of executive director, despite Miller facing criminal charges of breach of trust and mischief in Ontario.
“Our party has undertaken a thorough process on this matter,” party president Sharon White said in a statement Thursday. “After careful con- sideration and discussion, the party’s executive board has asked Laura to return as executive director. That decision was made unanimously, reflecting the full confidence we have in her.”
Miller is one of two top aides to former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty facing high- profile criminal charges in Ontario, related to the destruction of email records around a decision to scrap two gas plants, in Oakville and Mississauga, before the 2011 election.
David Livingston and Miller — who served as chief of staff and deputy chief of staff to McGuinty respectively — face three counts under the Criminal Code for “wrongdoing involving the handling of computer data.”
Miller resigned as Liberal party executive director in December, after being charged. White’s statement said Miller “has been working with her legal counsel to mount a vigorous and successful defence” and “is now in a position to step back into her role.”
Clark, who has defended Miller throughout the charges, issued a statement of support Thursday. “I support the decision reached by Sharon and the executive,” said Clark. “It’s the fair and right approach — one that respects our court process, including the fundamental principle that every person is innocent unless proven otherwise.
“We all know Laura for her hard work and her integrity. Her return means she can continue to make an outstanding contribution to our party.”