VICTORIA — Two key officials at British Columbia's legislature were placed on indefinite leave today and were escorted out of the building by security officials.
NDP House Leader Mike Farnworth introduced a motion at the end of question period saying both clerk Craig James and sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz were being placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
Farnworth did not explain the reasons for the investigation in a brief statement to reporters outside of the legislature.
As he was leaving the building, James declined to discuss the investigation.
James and Lenz walked out of the legislature separately and left the parking lot together in a vehicle driven by Lenz.
The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for maintaining order in the legislative chamber and other areas used for the business of the house.
The clerk of the house gives non-partisan advice to the Speaker and can be consulted on procedural matters, as well maintaining a record of all the legislature's proceedings.
