Furor in British Columbia grows over bribery probe - Globe and Mail

[Screaming Lord Byron]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040304/RAIDS04/TPNational/Canada

VANCOUVER -- A police investigation into suspected influence peddling has brought demands for B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell to fire his Finance Minister and halt a deal to sell BC Rail to CN for $1-billion.

Carole James, leader of the New Democratic Party in British Columbia, said a court summary of a case involving a December raid on the legislature raises troubling questions about government integrity.

"The search warrants used to conduct police raids . . . allege corruption and influence peddling in the highest offices of our government," Ms. James said. "The very integrity of our public institutions has been called into disrepute. . . . Premier Campbell must order Finance Minister Gary Collins to step aside until the full extent of possible corruption in one of the government's most important ministries is known."

Mr. Collins, one of the most senior and trusted ministers in Mr. Campbell's cabinet, has not been accused of wrongdoing. But one of the targets of the RCMP investigation is David Basi, who at the time of the raids was Mr. Collins's top aide. Mr. Basi has since been fired. Mr. Collins, co-chairman of a committee overseeing privatization of BC Rail, remains in his job.

[gula]

1. What is it with B.C. anyway

Is it the rain or BC gold?

[Spazito]

2. LOL!

It isn't called "La La Land" for nothing!