George Abbott is only willing to dig so deep into the B.C. Rail scandal.
At a press conference announcing his policy platform in Vancouver Tuesday, the B.C. Liberal Party leadership hopeful said he would not entirely close the door on a full-scale public inquiry on the influence-peddling affair. Instead, he would rather focus government’s attention on the taxpayer funded $6 million settlement paid to cover the legal expenses of David Basi and Bob Virk.
The disgraced pair struck a plea-bargain deal that saw several charges dropped in exchange for a two year house arrest sentence and a $75,695 fine for Basi.
“As soon as one launches an inquiry we see everyone under the sun being ‘lawyered-up’, demanding their full opportunity to have a voice in it and to cross-examine all of the parties involved,” Abbott told reporters. “It becomes a huge onerous process.”
He added British Columbians could have a greater understanding of how the controversial decision was consummated by an investigation led perhaps by a retired judge.
“On the narrower point on the settlement itself that government can make some useful findings, I hope to uncover some useful recommendations and perhaps improve processes in relation to matters like this.”
Abbott also outlined his 18-point plan, which included the addition of a question on the suspension of the carbon tax for three years, to the referendum on the Harmonized Sales Tax.
