Solicitor General Steps Down After Police Launch Investigation.

Friday, March 28, 2008 09:43 PM

The following statement was issued late Friday after Solicitor General John Les stepped down from his position in government amid accusations and an investigation into his dealings while in office in Chilliwack. There are allegations he benefited from transactions with developers during his time as Mayor.

News Release

BC Government Caucus

For immediate release
March 28, 2008

MEDIA STATEMENT

Late this afternoon I learned I was a subject, along with others, of work being carried out by a special prosecutor appointed June 28, 2007 relating to matters during my tenure as the mayor of Chilliwack.

As a result of that information, and out of the utmost respect and regard for the integrity as well as special and unique nature of the position of Solicitor General, I feel obliged to step aside pending the outcome of the special prosecutor's work.

I am utterly confident that I will be cleared at the conclusion of Mr. McFee's efforts but none the less in order to maintain the public's confidence in the office of the Solicitor General I have spoken to the Premier who has accepted my resignation.

On a personal level I hope this matter can be concluded as expeditiously as possible.

Until Mr. McFee finishes his work I will not comment further.

John Les
Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Chilliwack-Sumas

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Posted on Friday, March 28, 2008 09:43 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: faithfulreader on March 28 2008 10:04 PM

I've met this man. He is notimpressive. Very arrogant and conceited.
Why do we get these jerks in positions of power. Why can't we as B.C. voters get honest people to run our province?

Posted by: lostfaith on March 28 2008 10:04 PM

Solicitor General Steps Down After Police Launch Investigation.

The investigation was launched in June of 2007 and Les stepped down today when it was reported in the media.
He should have stepped down then and we should have been informed about it then, not almost a year later.

Posted by: lostfaith on March 28 2008 10:06 PM

Faithfulreader I would love to run the place however I am not rich, a lawyer, or a cheat.

Posted by: ChilliwackChump on March 28 2008 11:23 PM

Talk to anyone in Chilliwack, who's live here for awhile, and they will tell you that for years everyone suspected John Les and his brother Corney were pulling fast ones. John Les even made a statement years ago how offended that someone would even suggest such a thing and how he would never risk his government position to help his brother make some money. Well he should have fessed up all those years ago before he got so high up. Oh well, he'll still get his pension and thats all he cares about. Then he can go into land development full time without anyone to answer to and call all those favours he's owed in. Look out Chilliwack, Les is coming to develop the heck outta ya.

Posted by: ChilliwackChump on March 28 2008 11:25 PM

Posted by: acrider54 on March 29 2008 6:32 AM

Just another BC Liberal crook

Posted by: heidi1555 on March 29 2008 6:59 AM

The eyes are the windows to the soul.

:)

Posted by: Andyfreeze on March 29 2008 7:11 AM

This guy always gave me the feeling that he was not quite as advertized!
A phoney.
I wasn't even suprised.
Now, who's next,because SOMEBODY will be!

Posted by: dunfor on March 29 2008 7:49 AM

git er dun...

Posted by: Andyfreeze on March 29 2008 8:02 AM

Politicians deal with temptation eveyday and in a booming lower mainland economy like we have now,SOMEBODY is going to get caught with his hand in the cookie jar!
It's only a matter of time and the longer they stay at the trough of plenty,the worse the temptation gets!
Ever see a politician leave office broke?
The things they learn and information they are privy to, can take them a long way even after leaving office!
Why do we think they fight so hard for the job?
For the benefit of their fellow man?
NOT!
In spite of what they tell us,of course!
I would think if this incident goes back to when Les was mayor of Chilliwack then it must be fairly serious to investigate it after all this time?
Just shows you,nobody is bullet proof but I DO have a problem with who knew what and when?
As in,the Premier knew NOTHING?
Hmmm....

Posted by: ammonra on March 29 2008 8:13 AM

It is self evident that someone in the government knew about the investigation. A special prosecutor is appointed for a specific investigation. It is not a standing job. Is it the Premier, the Attorney General, a Deputy Minister? Who and when?

Posted by: socredible on March 29 2008 8:25 AM

My, my, allegations that the top cop had sticky fingers. Ah, don't worry, he'll be exonerated before next year's election, and BC Liberaldom will be saved from a return of the 'Horde'. Such 'honourable men', those Liberals. God's gift to the governed, in their minds.

Now if only they could be taught that the inflation all the land-pimping they've engendered ISN'T prosperity; that just 'cause prices keep rising DOESN'T mean we're getting richer in any meaningful way.

Posted by: lostfaith on March 29 2008 10:02 AM

It doesn't matter who is ruling the roost cause they are all the same. History proves that.

Posted by: lostfaith on March 29 2008 10:03 AM

It's just a shame the people of this country can't get thier ass's together and do something about it.

Posted by: thereasonableman on March 29 2008 10:08 AM

Do what, elect another crooked politician ?

Posted by: rvuser on March 29 2008 11:37 AM

If this guy is such a crook, how the h--- did he get elected? Doesn't say much for the electorate in that riding. Maybe there has to be a closer scrutiny of candidates running for election. Do these guys have to undergo a criminal records check? So who are the honest citizens in this country? Are there any?

Probably the people who comment on Opinion 250.

Posted by: govsux on March 29 2008 1:41 PM

Lots of politicians in provincial and federal government have criminal records. Does this surprise anyone.

Posted by: realitysetsin on March 29 2008 2:37 PM

Keep in mind it says he is under investigation. At this point he is still innocent until proven otherwise.

Hopefully he didn't do something atrocious like steal from Bingo funds that were destined to local charities.

Posted by: mouse on March 29 2008 3:53 PM

what I am interested in is the criminal record check. I think this should be a preliminary for anyone running for office. At least we would know they were innocent before they got into the political arena. Why isnt this a law?

Posted by: owl on March 29 2008 4:02 PM

Criminal record check? I think he would have passed it at the time of election. He should still pass it even now.

Posted by: camoose on March 29 2008 7:31 PM

Notice how this resignation was released just before the weekend. i guess in the hopes that it will die down by Monday. Nice touch by the Citizen burying the story on the 5th page. Got to protect their friends. Kieth Valdry on the news assured us all that no one in government knew of this investigation before last night. Yup, all the ducks are falling into line once again.

Posted by: BCRacer on March 29 2008 7:41 PM

At least he stepped down, even though nothing has been proven so far....
more than can be said for the certified, proven, documented criminal we have as a pemiere.
Hey Campbell, when you going to resign.
No pride? No respect for the law , that is for sure.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on March 30 2008 7:34 AM

Keith Valdry used to be a very honest and reliable reporter at one time.
Now, he is just a reporter who appears to work for the government!
I take what he says with a couple of grains of salt now.