An investigation into campaign fundraising tactics that may have breached the Elections Act is centred, partly, in Richmond.
The probe by the Globe and Mail — which first drew the attention of Elections BC and, subsequently, the RCMP — showed Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap golfing with Woodfibre LNG lobbyist Byng Giraud, who admitted to being reimbursed by his company for political donations recorded under his name.
Such a practice would be a violation of the laws governing political donations in B.C.
Having lobbyists mask the true source of political donations blurs the true nature of who is attempting to influence government officials, said BC Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, who has called for a ban on corporate and union donations.
“The flow of money from special interests into our political system is undermining the integrity of the B.C. Legislature,” said Weaver, in a statement.
“How can the public trust their government to make the right decision on anything when they are in the pockets of corporate interests?” asked Weaver, who welcomed an RCMP investigation into the matter.
Attempts by the Richmond News to contact Yap about his mention in the Globe piece were unsuccessful.
On Monday, Premier Christy Clark announced an independent review of electoral financing, which has been dubbed the “Wild West” of electoral financing by pundits, including the New York Times, which recently summarized a host of local news reports that note B.C.’s ubiquitous “cash for access,” or “pay to play” politics.
For instance, both Yap and Richmond-East MLA Linda Reid have recently hosted expensive functions to raise money for their riding associations. Yap’s cost $150 plus donation per ticket for a function at the Continental Seafood restaurant, while Reid’s Robbie Burns dinner and single malt whisky tasting cost $350 a head at Mayfair Lakes golf club.
Weaver has called for a ban on corporate and union donations, as has BC NDP leader John Horgan, although the latter continues to accept them.
Last election, Yap outspent NDP candidate Scott Stewart $154,933 to $19,285. His party’s election expenses — which are indirectly taxpayer-funded through tax breaks for donations — have tripled in the riding since 2001.
