Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone included in an ad that ran in a controversial publication. (Image Credit: BC Liberals / The Light Magazine)

By James Peters

Questionable Advertising

Kamloops MLA pledges to review ad spending after his face appears in anti-LGBTQ publication

Jun 30, 2020 | 10:48 AM

KAMLOOPS — The MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson says he is reviewing his constituency office’s advertising policies after a portion of his MLA budget was used to buy advertising in a social conservative magazine that opposes a ban on conversion therapy.

PressProgress reported Monday (June 29) that B.C. Liberal ads were featured in The Light Magazine, a conservative Christian magazine also publishes anti-LGBTQ content.

Two of the ads reprinted in the PressProgress story feature Todd Stone, along with party leader Andrew Wilkinson and a group Stone’s B.C. Liberal colleagues.

Speaking to CFJC Today, Stone said he just learned of the ad buy.

“I was very, very concerned to learn that advertising dollars from my constituency budget had been recently used to co-sponsor ads in The Light Magazine, which is a publication that also features a variety of content that does not align in any way, shape or form with my personal beliefs,” said Stone.

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In a tweet Monday, NDP MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert called the connection between the Liberals and The Light Magazine “deeply troubling.”

Stone says the magazine’s anti-LGBTQ content does not reflect who he is.

“I absolutely, categorically do not support anything that causes discrimination against anyone,” said Stone. “I believe in a safe, inclusive British Columbia for everyone. I’ve been a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ community and Pride events here in Kamloops and across the province.”

Stone says he will stop advertising in The Light and review where his advertising dollars go in the future.

“I am accountable that this has happened and, as a result, I have decided that my office will no longer be advertising in this magazine. I’m in the process, along with my staff, of reviewing all advertising decisions within our constituency office to make sure that all advertising decisions that we make moving forward align fully with my values.”