~ Confirms Premier's lack of confidence in John Les - Gentner ~

VICTORIA -Premier Gordon Campbell's admission that he recommended his own deputy Dana Hayden for the interim CEO position at the B.C. Lottery Corporation confirms that he has lost confidence in John Les' abilities as the minister responsible, New Democrat Gaming Critic Guy Gentner said today. In a Globe and Mail story published today, Campbell said, "I certainly suggested she (Hayden) would be a candidate that they (the BCLC Board) might want to consider. They did consider her." Campbell was referring to the appointment of his Deputy Minster Dana Hayden to as interim CEO.

"This confirms our suspicion that Gordon Campbell has sent a one of his own people to put a lid on the B.C. Lotteries scandal," said Gentner, the MLA for Delta North. "That makes it crystal clear that Gordon Campbell has lost confidence in Solicitor General John Les - and it shows that the Les is no more than a lame duck minister who must leave.

"Until fundamental changes are made at the very top, gaming in B.C. remains in a state of complete chaos. The longer Gordon Campbell evades the issue of leadership and responsibility for gaming in the province, the longer proper management of gaming will continue to suffer," said Gentner.

Since B.C. Ombudsman Kim Carter issued her damning report on lottery retailing on May 29, Les has chosen to stay in place and has refused to take any responsibility for the lottery fiasco. Les sanctioned the removal of Lottery Corporation CEO Vic Poleschuk only following an intense public outcry.

"Gordon Campbell should end the cover up immediately. He must get on with the firing of John Les and start to deal with the chaos his government created," Gentner said.