[BC_Labour_E-NEWS] New Revelations about Raid at BC Legislature

[bc_labour_enews at bcfed.net]

March 2, 2004

New Revelations about Raid at BC Legislature--
Cloud of Scandal over Sale of BC Rail Continues to Grow

B.C. Federation of Labour Calls for Halt to Sale of 
BC Rail and asks for Gary Collins' Resignation

Vancouver-The Liberal government must immediately stop the sale of BC Rail
after new revelations connect Liberal political aides, and their activities
in Finance Minister Gary Collins' office to allegations of criminal breach
of trust involving the sale of BC Rail, said B.C. Federation of Labour
President Jim Sinclair.

"This confirms a direct link between the raid on the legislature and the
sale of BC Rail.  Until the public is fully satisfied there were no criminal
activities involving BC Rail, the sale of BC Rail must be stopped," demanded
Sinclair.  Sinclair commented on the most recent revelation made public in
connection with search warrants executed on the legislative offices of the
Liberal Finance and Transportation Ministers.  "There's also a growing cloud
over Finance Minister Gary Collins," said Sinclair, "a breach of trust may
have occurred under his watch.  To preserve the integrity of his office
Collins must step aside until this matter is resolved."

Concerns regarding the privatization of BC Rail had been raised last year
during the bidding process.  "All along the government has conducted secret
negotiations and closed door meetings to keep details away from the public.
It's a bad deal and the public knows it, and the Liberals have been trying
to hide it," said Sinclair.  "Now there are clouds of criminal activity and
potential criminal breach of trust hang over this deal, communities along
the BC Rail line deserve better."

"This scandal will sink what little confidence British Columbians have in
Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberal government," said Sinclair.  "Working
families have paid the price for lost services and privatized assets; the
only people who have gained under this government are Liberal friends and
insiders.  Breaking their campaign promise was bad enough, but to allow the
sale of BC Rail to proceed would certainly be a moral breach of trust with
the voters of BC," said Sinclair. 

The campaign to stop the sale of BC Rail is continuing and the Federation
plans to make representations to the Canada Competition Bureau when the
issue is discussed, added Sinclair.  The Federation will also continue to
support the efforts of the workers and the community in their attempts to
hold this government accountable for the sale.

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For more information contact: Jessie Uppal 604-430-1421 or 604-220-0739.


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