Property developers sit atop B.C. Liberals’ latest donor list

Eight in the industry contributed $1.5 million of $12.5-million total

Eight of the top 10 donors to the B.C. Liberal Party in 2016, and so far in 2017, are involved in the province’s property development and construction industries.

Combined, the eight donors contributed nearly $1.5 million of the $12.5 million collected by the Liberals during the period, according to an analysis by Postmedia News of the donor list released by the Liberals last week.

Some of the real estate development and construction sector donations came in six-figure instalments.

Property developers claimed some spots in the top 10 list between 2011 and 2015, along with natural resource companies such as Teck, Encana and West Fraser. But the contribution of the developers appears to be trending up, the analysis shows.

As Greater Vancouver saw home prices soar to new heights — which is sure to be an election issue — donations poured into Liberal coffers. The Liberals attempted to cool the market with a 15 per cent tax on foreign buyers last August, a move that was unpopular among developers and construction firms — even though $214,000 was donated from those sectors by the eight in the top 10 after the foreign-buyers tax was introduced.

The Liberals released the list voluntarily to dampen criticism over party financing, which has included large amounts of money from corporate donors and cash-for-access events.

The Liberals have raised $32.5 million since the last election, the majority from corporate donations.

University of B.C. political scientist Max Cameron said there is little doubt that money buys influence. Cameron is in favour of banning corporate and union donations and putting a cap on contributions, as is done federally and in most provinces.

“We don’t want the appearance or the reality — and both are important — that policy is actually bought,” Cameron said.

Postmedia compiled the top 10 list by combining multiple contributions and consolidating those from donors who gave through several entities.

Topping the list are Peter Wall and nephew Bruno Wall, who gave a total of $400,000. Of that, $200,000 came from 2300 Kingsway Residences, while $100,000 each came from BJW Investments and PWO Investments, entities owned by the Walls, according to B.C. Corporate Registry documents.

Peter Wall is perhaps best known for the 48-floor One Wall Centre in downtown Vancouver, completed in 2001.

Peter Redekop gave $260,000, including some through Redekop Kroeker Developments, while John Redekop Construction gave another $200,000. The Aquilinis, who own the Canucks and are involved in property development, gave $136,000.

Also in the top 10 and giving more than $100,000 were the Independent Contractors and Business Association of B.C., Kebet Holdings (owned by the Beedies and involved in property development ), RPMG Holdings( the parent company of Onni, a property developer) and real estate developer Rick Ilich.

The property developers and construction firms did not respond to requests for comment from Postmedia on Monday or Tuesday. Messages were left with offices or through email.

Ryan Beedie, reached by email, declined to comment.

Also on the top 10 list for 201617 was Teck Resources, which

operates coal and metal mines in B.C. The company gave $133,250.

Teck declined to make an official available for an interview. In a written response, spokesman Chris Stannell said the company supports government policies that encourage job creation, sustainable development and economic growth.

The B.C. Liberals have argued they are being transparent by releasing donations and that caps on spending during campaigns mean citizens can have confidence in democracy.

The donor list is also released by B.C. Elections, but there is a lag. The political donor list for all parties for 2016 will not be released until this April. The Liberals have shown little appetite to change the rules. They raised $106.7 million between 2005 and 2015, compared with $42.4 million raised by the NDP.

In a written statement, Liberal spokesman Emile Scheffel said its supporters include a broad spectrum of individuals and businesses of all sizes.

He said the Liberal government was investing in affordable rental housing in addition to bringing in the 15 per cent foreign owner tax.

“We believe British Columbians are well served by a system in which political parties are funded by individuals and others who share their values and goals,” Scheffel wrote in an email.

The NDP have accused the Liberals of selling access to power, and have called on Premier Christy Clark to ban corporate and union donations.

Vancouver-Point Grey NDP MLA David Eby said it’s no surprise to him that real estate developers dominated the B.C. Liberal list.

He said the Liberals were slow to recognize and move on a housing “crisis” as prices rose beyond what regular people can afford.

“It really explains everything to me — simply that the interests of their donors were different than everyday families and Metro Vancouver,” Eby said.

The Liberals have also criticized the NDP for an event where attendees would pay $10,000 to meet with leader John Horgan.