‘Deeply humiliated’: Suspended B.C. officials say they have done nothing wrong

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We have finally heard from the two legislative workers at the centre of a mysterious RCMP investigation.

Suspended Clerk Craig James and Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Lenz were escorted out of the BC Legislature last week, but say they haven’t been told why.

The pair are the subject of a criminal RCMP investigation, but few details have been released about the nature of the case.

The two spoke in Downtown Vancouver Monday afternoon.

“Gary and I have been deeply humiliated. I can think of nothing that I have done that would disqualify me from carrying on with my office while the investigation is completed,” James said.

“I firmly say that I have done nothing wrong and that I am confident that the independent investigation now underway with the RCMP will clear me of any alleged wrongdoing,” Lenz said.

“I want that investigation to continue and conclude as quickly as possible,” he added, declaring he will cooperate with police.

James said the damage to his reputation is “irreparable.” “I am left in the position of not being able to respond because no-one has told me what the allegations are, or asked me for my side of the story.”

“I have been removed without explanation; escorted out of the building in which I have worked for over 30 years by police officers,” said James.

He added he also welcomes the RCMP investigation and will cooperate.

The pair say they haven’t been interviewed by the RCMP yet.

“I have not been ever investigated for any matters relating to myself. But of course, I have conducted an investigation with the police on other matters,” Lenz said.

When prompted for clarification, both said they have not been approached by police for upcoming interviews.

James and Lenz say they don’t know what will happen if their demand to be reinstated is not approved.

Lenz became emotional, discussing how much his family’s support means to him.

Speaker Darryl Plecas is planning to hold an emergency session in Victoria tomorrow, but we have not been told what will happen at that meeting.

Solicitor General Mike Farnworth has already said there are no plans to reinstate Lenz and James before the police investigation wraps up.

BC Liberals leader Andrew Wilkinson chimes in on the issue

While Lenz and James met with reporters in Vancouver, there were more fireworks at the Legislature in Victoria.

A move by Opposition MLA’s to review last week’s motion placing both men on administrative leave has been dismissed, but Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson is still raising concerns about the conduct of Speaker Darryl Plecas, suggesting he should have recused himself during today’s Question Period because most of that debate was about his conduct.

“The Speaker is the referee for teams in the House. We have the have the largest teams in the House on behalf of more than two million British Columbians, we’re asking for accountability and we’re getting none,” Wilkinson says.

“The NDP are stonewalling completely, hiding behind false excuses. It’s time for clearing up the air around here, so we can get through this crisis and reestablish the credibility of this place in the eyes of the people of British Columbia.”

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver says he supports the Deputy Speaker Raj Chouhan’s rejection of the request for an emergency debate because the criminal investigation hasn’t been completed yet.

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