CAMPBELL SHOULD ABIDE BY COURT RULINGS

Premier must live up to his commitment and release documents in Basi/Virk trial

VICTORIA – Following Justice Bennett’s sweeping judgment, NDP Leader Carole James called on Gordon Campbell to abide by the ruling and release all documents related to the Basi/Virk corruption trial.

“Throughout this scandal, Gordon Campbell has personally pledged he and his government would fully cooperate with the investigation,” said James. “But time and again we have seen the Campbell government and B.C. Liberal Party stonewall questions and delay the release of documents. It’s time the Premier stopped saying one thing while doing the opposite. It’s time for the Premier to live up to his commitment and release all of the documents as described in Justice Bennett’s ruling.”

Earlier this week, Justice Bennett ruled that “every police officer and civilian who touched or spoke about this investigation” must immediately submit all relevant documents to the Crown. Her ruling applies to the Premier, members of his cabinet and officials with the B.C. Liberal Party.

“This trial has been delayed long enough,” said James. “Gordon Campbell needs to take immediate action to release any material he has and ensure other officials in his government and party do the same. That must include former Solicitor General Rich Coleman and B.C. Liberal Party official Kelly Reichert.”

James also called on the Premier to save British Columbians and the court time by releasing documents asked for in the latest disclosure application. Defence lawyers have filed an application for confidential government files, including material held by cabinet and the Premier.

“We know that the sale of B.C. Rail is at the heart of this trial,” said James. “From the beginning, that deal was mired in controversy and allegations of inside deals. If Gordon Campbell was being truthful when he committed to full cooperation, he would release those documents now instead of waiting for another court ruling.”