FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2017

DOGWOOD CALLS FOR A CORRUPTION INQUIRY

Campaign finance laws are only the first step in restoring accountability and transparency into government decision-making

VICTORIA – As the new government reaffirms their commitment to Ban Big Money laws in their throne speech, B.C.’s largest citizen engagement group, Dogwood, is demanding answers and further action.

“After years of advocating for transparency and accountability in decision-making, British Columbians are finally seeing a solid commitment to getting Big Money out of politics,” says Dogwood’s campaigner, Lisa Sammartino. “But, the reality is, after years of being a donation free-for-all, we really don’t know what the legacy of Big Money is in our province.”

Dogwood has been campaigning for a ban on corporate, union and out-of-province donations since April 2016. B.C., one the last provinces in Canada to bring in campaign finance laws, has historically been called the ‘Wild West’, where any wealthy donor from anywhere in the world can make unlimited political donations.

“If projects were approved, contracts were awarded or laws were created for the benefit of party donors, and not because they were in the best interests of British Columbians, those decisions need to be sent back to the drawing board. And the only way we can determine that is through a Corruption Inquiry,” explains Sammartino.

To launch an inquiry, the Premier and cabinet would need to appoint a commissioner, or panel of commissioners, to investigate decision-making practices. Once created, the commission would operate independently of the government and can not be halted.

— 30 —

For more information:

Lisa Sammartino
Democracy Campaigner, Dogwood
778-871-4334
lisa@dogwoodbc.ca