Re: 鈥淛ames departs after report says he improperly claimed benefits,鈥� May聽17.
Former chief justice Beverly McLachlin is a most distinguished jurist who has served 91原创s well for many years. She scolded Darryl Plecas for going beyond his role as legislature Speaker, acting in an overly prosecutorial manner and not raising concerns with appropriate administrative staff.
With respect, these comments are not fair to both Plecas and his assistant, Alan Mullen, under the circumstances. These men do not deserve criticism; they are to be congratulated for what they did.
The setting involves our elected provincial politicians, who have done nothing for more than a decade despite auditor鈥檚 reports about systemic problems in the B.C. legislative assembly. In a difficult and closed environment, Plecas accomplished a lot by doing a phenomenal amount of hard and detailed work. His efforts in large part led to McLachlin鈥檚 report.
Plecas is criticized for his reporting techniques after the disturbing information was assembled. But who was he to approach and report to? Craig James? The Liberal caucus? That caucus was very unhappy with the Speaker for accepting that role.
Yes, there were clumsy moments leading to the inquiry report. However, Plecas acted and reported as best he knew how. The result is the excellent McLachlin report and recommendations.
The public has been well served by Plecas and Mullen.
Let us hope, as a result, a new, transparent and highly ethical model of governance in our legislative assembly will emerge.
Bob Lisevich
Victoria
