Independent B.C. MLA seeks conflict probe on Premier Clark

VICTORIA – Independent MLA John van Dongen wants British Columbia’s conflict of interest commissioner to launch an investigation into Premier Christy Clark’s connection to the privatization of B.C. Rail nine years ago.

Van Dongen has compiled an eight-centimetre thick binder of documents connected to the controversial sale of Crown-owned railway that includes draft transcripts of RCMP wiretap conversations between Liberal insiders.

A spokeswoman at Conflict of Interest Commissioner Paul Fraser’s office says van Dongen’s request for an investigation has been received, but there is no word yet if the commissioner will launch a probe.

Van Dongen says the investigation should focus on Clark from May to November 2003 when the Liberal government announced it would sell B.C. Rail and approved CN Rail as the successful bidder.

Clark was serving as Education Minister and deputy premier when the B.C. Rail sale was underway.

Two former Liberal aides, David Basi and Bob Virk, pleaded guilty to corruption-related charges in connection with the railway deal and were sentenced to two years of house arrest each.

Van Dongen is currently an independent member of the legislature, twice quitting the Liberal government and once leaving the B.C. Conservatives.