RCMP to probe lobbyists' political donations

Elections B.C. has asked the RCMP to handle a probe into allegations of indirect political donations by lobbyists and other potential violations of the Election Act.

“This investigation has been referred to ensure that it will in no way impede Elections B.C.’s administration of the provincial general election scheduled for May 9,” said chief electoral officer Keith Archer in a statement.

He added that the referral ensures there is no concern about Election B.C.’s ability to administer the election in a fair and impartial manner.

“The potential scope and timing of this matter make the RCMP the most appropriate agency to continue this investigation.”

Archer said his office may support the RCMP inquiries, but will make no further comment on the matter.

The RCMP acknowledged that it received a request from Elections B.C. on Thursday to investigate allegations of indirect contributions and other possible contraventions of the Election Act.

“We can confirm that an investigation into these allegations has been initiated and we will take the time necessary to conduct a thorough investigation,” Sgt. Annie Linteau said.

Elections B.C. launched its investigation this week following a Globe and Mail report that lobbyists allegedly donated to the B.C. Liberal Party in their own name and were then reimbursed by clients.

Archer said the investigation would extend beyond the Liberals since one of the people named in the newspaper story had contributed to a number of political parties in B.C.

“So there’s not, in any sense, a limitation to one party or another,” he said in an interview.

Archer said the Election Act prohibits indirect political donations in which someone contributes to a party using someone else’s money.

The law also requires political parties to record whether a donation comes from an individual, business, union or non-profit organization.

Archer expressed doubts that, given the extensive nature of the review, any investigation will be completed before the provincial election on May 9.

The B.C. Liberal Party has denied wrongdoing and pledged to co-operate with any investigation, while the NDP has said it is reviewing three years of donations to see if there were any improper contributions.

“We are committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that British Columbians can have confidence in our electoral financing system,” B.C. Liberal party spokesman Emile Scheffel said in a statement.

“That’s why we are voluntarily reporting all contributions in real time on our website. We have co-operated fully with Elections B.C. to date, and will co-operate fully if contacted by the RCMP.”

NDP Leader John Horgan welcomed the RCMP’s involvement and reiterated the party’s calls for a ban on corporate and union donations.

B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver, whose party banned corporate and union donations last year, said the allegations highlight the need for electoral finance reform in B.C.

“I implore the RCMP to conduct a thorough investigation and to release the results prior to the May 9 election,” he said.

“The people of British Columbia deserve to know the results of this investigation before they go to the polls.”

Premier Christy Clark said this week that her government plans to introduce legislation Monday to improve transparency around political donations.