Critics say BC premier needs to do more than ditch her Liberal party stipend
VICTORIA — Premier Christy Clark will still be in a conflict of interest even though she’s rejected her party’s annual stipend, suggests a group that’s been critical of political fundraising in British Columbia.
Duff Conacher of Democracy Watch says Clark will still get the party’s money because she’s requested her stipend be replaced with a system where she will be reimbursed by the Liberal party for her expenses.
But Conacher says the money will still be coming from donors who have paid to attend Liberal events and rub shoulders with the premier.
“It does nothing to stop the unethical, undemocratic influence of big money in B.C. politics,” Conacher said Saturday from Ottawa.