VICTORIA – Elections BC says it is launching a review of potential Election Act violations involving indirect political donations.
Keith Archer, British Columbia’s chief electoral officer, says in a statement today the allegations include indirect political contributions and other potential contraventions of the Election Act. Archer cites sections 186 and 190 of the Election Act that outline restrictions on political contributions and requirements to record information about each contributor.
Archer’s statement says the penalties for violating the financing provisions of the Election Act are a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for a term of not longer than one year, or both.
The Globe and Mail reports lobbyists are routinely donating money to B.C.’s Liberal Party party on behalf of corporate and special interests.
Archer says the review will be open-ended and could be forwarded to the Criminal Justice Branch of the Justice Ministry.
Deputy Premier Rich Coleman, who is also the Liberal Party’s campaign co-chairman, said the party will co-operate fully with any investigation.