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Weaver calls for Reid to step down as Assistant Deputy Speaker

Green party leader Andrew Weaver is calling for the MLA for Richmond South Centre, Linda Reid, to step down as Assistant Deputy Speaker, saying anyone charged with the day-to-day running of the legislature should have the confidence of the majority o
Linda Reid Speaks-BJ-Oct14.jpg
Linda Reid is currently the Assistant Deputy Speaker at the B.C. legislature.

Green party leader Andrew Weaver is calling for the MLA for Richmond South Centre, Linda Reid, to step down as Assistant Deputy Speaker, saying anyone charged with the day-to-day running of the legislature should have the confidence of the majority of the house.

A report by Speaker Darryl Plecas into spending by two high-level legislative employees released last Monday raised questions about an expense reports and a missing investigation into a retirement allowance that allegedly happened under Reid’s watch.

“Until such time as we get to the bottom of this, it is totally and utterly inappropriate in my view for Ms. Reid to continue to remain in any capacity in the Speaker’s role,” Weaver told the Richmond News.

Weaver said if Reid doesn’t resign, it will just add to “the lack of trust British Columbians have in the B.C. legislature.”

“I don’t know who I can trust in that place now,” Weaver said. “Can you imagine the general public, who they trust?” adding that it’s “critical to rebuild that trust.”

Weaver is asking for a forensic audit of the clerk’s office dating back to 2010, which would include the time when Reid was Speaker of the house, 2014 to 2017.

Weaver also questioned the relationship between the clerk, Craig James, and the BC Liberals, pointing out the report mentioned numerous meetings between James and members of the BC Liberals.

Reid was not available for comment.