I think it would probably come up with some conclusions that would clear up a lot of myths that people like Bill Tieleman might like to perpetuate.

- Premier Christy Clark on a B.C. Legislature raid inquiry

Christy Clark still rejects holding an inquiry into the biggest political scandal in recent B.C. history - about two ex-B.C. Liberal ministerial aides passing confidential government information on the $1 billion sale of B.C. Rail to lobbyists for one bidder.

The premier claimed Thursday there were no questions to be answered after last year's surprise guilty pleas of ex-government aides David Basi and Bob Virk.

And she says an inquiry wouldn't embarrass her, but would instead clear up myths that I'm allegedly spreading.

Clark was deputy premier when police raided the B.C. Legislature in December 2003 with an unprecedented search warrant to obtain evidence. Her brother Bruce's home was also searched by police, because of his links to Basi and Virk.

The B.C. Liberal government paid Basi and Virk's $6 million legal fees despite their admission of guilt. It was part of the plea bargain deal that ended their trial after just two of an estimated 40 witnesses - including possibly Christy Clark herself - had testified.

But in response to a question I posed for Shaw Cable's Voice Of B.C., the premier told host Vaughn Palmer it would be "really expensive" to hold an inquiry to get to the truth - so she won't.

The idea that there are no questions to be answered is absurd.

And describing cold, hard facts as "myths" is simply disingenuous.

For example, a joint "Statement of Facts" entered in B.C. Supreme Court by Special Prosecutor Bill Berardino and defence lawyers shows the police search of Bruce Clark's home found confidential government bidding information about a related B.C. Rail privatization effort.

Basi and Virk pled guilty to breach of trust and fraud in part because they illegally passed information to Bruce Clark - who was never charged - about the proposed $70 million sale of the B.C. Rail Port Subdivision in Roberts Bank.

Christy Clark acknowledges her brother played a role in her B.C. Liberal leadership campaign but has declined requests from 24 hours to explain his duties, which weren't mythical.

If you believe an inquiry is needed, join my Basi-Virk public inquiry page on Facebook.

Read more from Bill Tieleman at thetyee.ca Email: weststar@telus.net Website: billtieleman.blogspot.com