Premier defends B.C. Speaker, says his ‘impartiality not in question’

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WATCH: A tumultuous fall session at the B.C. legislature wrapped up today with more fireworks. Last week, two senior officials were suspended with pay pending the outcome of an RCMP investigation. And as Mary Griffin reports, the premier admits the crisis is overshadowing his government’s accomplishments.

Premier John Horgan says he wishes the last week of events at British Columbia’s legislature had unfolded differently, but it hasn’t diminished his confidence in Speaker Darryl Plecas.

Horgan says he believes Plecas will continue to perform his duties despite the disruptive events that resulted in two top officials in the legislature being placed on leave amid an RCMP investigation.

The premier says he has confidence in the actions of Plecas over the past week and suggests patience as the police conduct their investigation with the help of two special prosecutors.

The Opposition Liberals say Plecas appears to be empire-building after they revealed he attempted to have his special adviser Alan Mullen appointed acting sergeant-at-arms after Gary Lenz was placed on administrative leave along with clerk of the house Craig James.

Lenz and James say they have yet to be told about the allegations they face and they have hired a lawyer who demands their reinstatement while the police investigation proceeds.

Horgan made his comments at a news conference as the fall session of the legislature comes to a close today.

Premier John Horgan speaks to reporters on Nov. 27, 2018, about the last week at the B.C. legislature.

Premier John Horgan speaks to reporters on Nov. 27, 2018, about the last week at the B.C. legislature.

The Canadian PressThe Canadian Press

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