Liberals continue to dodge questions on Basi-Virk corruption case
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 | 5:10 PM PT
CBC News
Attorney General Wally Oppal has said he won't comment on possible high-level corruption in the B.C. government while the case is before the courts. (CBC)Questions about the provincial Liberals' ties to lobbyist Patrick Kinsella continued to swirl on Tuesday during the legislature's last question period before May's provincial election.
For weeks, the NDP has hammered the government on why Kinsella — who helped run the Liberals' last two election campaigns — was paid nearly $300,000 in the 2004 sale of BC Rail.
"This government has been secretive. They refuse to answer questions and, most importantly, they're so arrogant that they don't think it matters," NDP Leader Carole James said.
The Liberals have so far dodged questions, stating they refuse to comment on an issue that is before the courts.
Two former Liberal ministerial aides, Dave Basi and Bob Virk, are set to stand trial for fraud and money laundering in connection with the billion-dollar sale of BC Rail to CN Railway.
In a pretrial hearing in Vancouver last week, their defence lawyers argued that Kinsella simultaneously had strong ties to BC Rail, CN and the premier's office at the time of the transaction.
A series of emails read out in court suggested Kinsella was asked to talk to a member of the premier's inner circle to help get the sale back on track when talks stalled in early 2004.
At the time, Kinsella was being paid nearly $300,000 to lobby for BC Rail — and was simultaneously a political adviser for CN.
B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal admonished members of the news media on Monday, accusing them of potentially compromising the legal proceedings against Basi and Virk by seeking comment from the government.
There is no law, however, preventing legislators from debating something that is before the courts.
James said she believes the government's reluctance to address the issue may sway voters' decisions in the upcoming election.
"People are angry. People are angry at the lack of accountability of this government."
Oppal, however, is betting that voters have other concerns on their minds.
"There are not a lot of people talking about Patrick Kinsella. They're talking about jobs, they're talking about the economy," he said.
The election will be held May 12.
