Solicitor General Steps Down Amid RCMP Investigation

Friday, April 09, 2010 03:21 PM

Prince George, B.C.- Solicitor General Kash Heed has resigned. The decision follows a string of events involving an on going RCMP investigation of alleged Elections Act violations. At this point, there is nothing to suggest there are any allegations against Mr. Heed.

Heed has issued this statement:

"On March 24 I was informed by the RCMP that they were investigating alleged Elections Act violations pertaining to a 2009 Vancouver-Fraserview provincial election campaign. At that time I was informed that I was not a subject of that investigation and that I may be interviewed as a witness. I understand that the deputy to the Premier, informed the Premier of this fact on March 26.

On late Tuesday evening, April 6, while I was out of the country, I was informed that the investigation was evolving and the RCMP would want to interview me to determine if I had any role in the allegations. On Wednesday, I informed the Premier of that development.

Upon returning to Vancouver on Wednesday, out of an abundance of caution, I immediately obtained a lawyer to engage the RCMP on my behalf and to establish the facts that were appropriate for me to know and to ascertain what was expected of me to help me make the appropriate decision for my office.

On Wednesday, my lawyer called the criminal justice branch to determine if a special prosecutor had been appointed and he subsequently advised me that a special prosecutor has been appointed in this investigation.

Today I have concluded, out of the respect and regard for the office of Solicitor General of British Columbia and to ensure the continued integrity of that office, that the appropriate action is to step aside pending the outcome of this investigation. I have spoken with the Premier and he has accepted my decision.

Over my 30-year career in law enforcement and public service I have prided myself on putting the public interest first and acting with the utmost integrity. It is with that in mind that I have chosen to step aside.

I am confident that I have done nothing wrong. I fully support the RCMP's efforts and will be co-operating fully with the investigation.

It is my sincere hope that this matter is concluded as quickly as possible. I will continue to represent my constituents as the MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview.

Until all aspects of this ongoing matter are complete, I will not be commenting further on the substance of the investigation as that would be inappropriate."

Heed is the third Solicitor General to resign. John Van Dongan stepped down over an issue with speeding tickets, and John Les resigned while an investigation was underway about his possible involvement in a land deal in his riding.

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Friday, April 09, 2010 03:21 PM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: RUEZ on April 9 2010 3:52 PM

That's a good start, now if we could get rid of the rest we'd be set.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on April 9 2010 3:52 PM

I once had a lot of respect for Kash Heed...up until he went to work for you know who.
While Heed may be clean on this,you are judged by the company you keep and obviously, something is very wrong.
It is just one thing after another with the Campbell government and I have a feeling it is going to get much worse,very soon.

Posted by: IMO on April 9 2010 4:01 PM

Lots of things will get much worse Andy... sigh

Posted by: Slim2229 on April 9 2010 4:08 PM

I appreciate the step Mr. Heed has taken. Just shows the man has integrity. There may be absolutely nothing that will harm him but he's taken that step because he knows as a politician there's probably gonna be some mud slinging and rumour mongering anyway.
I wish him well.

Posted by: lmorge on April 9 2010 5:05 PM

The investigation will take its course and you all will see what is to be seen. No further comment is allowed.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on April 9 2010 9:11 PM

I think you are right IMO and that comes as no suprise.
Seems the Liberals may have a meltdown starting, which is also no suprise.
For Heeds sake,I hope he is clean,but with the Campbell government you really have to wonder.
Good one Imorge...nice try!
Unfortunately, this investigation has been going on since June 2009.
Seriously,is it possible Heed did not know about it?
I would like to believe him, but that's a bit of a reach!
He had to know....or did he?

Posted by: Eagleone on April 10 2010 5:09 AM

An election act violation (to much spending in a single riding) got the whole reform BC party banned from the election that saw the BC liberals come to power. At the time reform BC had 24% support in the polls. Had reform BC not been banned from the election the BC liberals would never have won a majority much less the land slide they won... who knows we could have even had a reform BC government it was that close.

I highly doubt that the BC liberals will be held to the same standard that the reform BC party was held to by Elections BC.... Why that is is anyone's guess....

Posted by: Eagleone on April 10 2010 5:13 AM

Bill Vander Zalm was the one that overspent in his riding and it was because of this that Elections BC killed the reform party. I would bet this is something that would still bother Mr Vander Zalm if he truly cared about the province of BC, which I'm sure he does. Maybe Bill is getting his sweat justice at this time when the liberals have gone to far and implemented a tax they said they would not support at election time... and who knows what else.....

Posted by: acrider54 on April 10 2010 7:26 AM

I can't believe the Lieberals would do something unlawful to meet their goals.