National

Former B.C. legislature clerk charged

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Dec, 2020 07:52 PM

The former clerk of the British Columbia legislature has been charged with four counts of breach of trust and two counts of fraud in excess of $5,000.

The BC Prosecution Service says two special prosecutors approved the charges against Craig James.

The BC Prosecution Service announced today that Special Prosecutors have approved charges following an investigation into the activities of senior staff at the British Columbia Legislature. #BCPS #BCPoli #Fraud #Crime pic.twitter.com/AGlazzxTJa
— BCProsecutionService (@BCProsecution) December 18, 2020

James and sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz were suspended from their jobs two years ago and retired in 2019.

Lenz and James have denied any wrongdoing since they were placed on administrative leave in November 2018.

The prosecution service says James was to make his first appearance on the charges in a Victoria court today.

After they went on leave, former legislature Speaker Darryl Plecas produced a report on allegations of misspending at the legislative assembly.

The RCMP said in November 2018 that it was investigating staff at the legislature, but it did not say who was the subject of the probe.

Its investigation was aided by the two special prosecutors, who have not commented on the case until the announcement of charges today. James will make his next court appearance on January 27,2021.

Photo courtesy of Istock.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Facts About The Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Ottawa announced Wednesday the Canada Emergency Response Benefit intended to quickly get cash to workers who need it and support their employers. Here's a look at how the program is going to work.

Facts About The Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Protective Equipment Supply 'Wicked Problem,' Says B.C. Health Officer

VICTORIA - British Columbia has cleared hospital space for almost 4,000 possible COVID-19 patients, but potential shortages of personal protective equipment for health workers has become "our wicked problem," provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Wednesday.

Protective Equipment Supply 'Wicked Problem,' Says B.C. Health Officer

Pandemic Response Must Uphold Human Rights, Avoid Discrimination: B.C. Commissioner

VANCOUVER - British Columbia's human rights commissioner is urging policy-makers, employers, landlords and service providers to keep human rights principles at the core of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic Response Must Uphold Human Rights, Avoid Discrimination: B.C. Commissioner

B.C. Offers $500 Monthly Rental Rebate, Moratorium On Evictions, Rent Freeze

VICTORIA - The British Columbia government will offer financial relief to renters and landlords to ensure people have safe homes during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Premier John Horgan said Wednesday.

B.C. Offers $500 Monthly Rental Rebate, Moratorium On Evictions, Rent Freeze

With A Crash And A Bang, B.C. Residents Applaud Health-Care Workers

At the same time each night, Rev. Gary Paterson and about half a dozen other neighbours have begun gathering at least two metres apart on the rooftop patio of their building in Vancouver's west end.

With A Crash And A Bang, B.C. Residents Applaud Health-Care Workers

BC Takes Unprecedented Steps To Support COVID-19 Response - SEE All The Highlights

The B.C. government stepped up its efforts under the Emergency Program Act on Thursday to ensure, among other things, that goods and services are getting to those who need them. Here's a look at what is happening: