Using political insiders to build support among cabinet ministers for the proposed mega-yacht marina in Victoria is “disgusting”, said former Victoria mayor Peter Pollen.
“It's so politically fraudulent,” he said, noting there is a proper public procedure to follow to get the marina approved. “The promoters are working the members . . . behind the scenes. It's just outrageous.”
The Tyee reported last week that documents show Jeff Bray, a former Liberal MLA and executive director of the Liberal caucus, arranged a meeting in 2007 with then Economic Development minister Colin Hansen for marina proponent Robert Evans and project lawyer Bruce Hallsor.
Bray, who was working as a government relations consultant at the time, did not register as a lobbyist. Most of his work was providing advice to clients and he does not recall setting up a meeting for Evans, he said.
Nor did Hallsor register. He and Evans had previously met with the then Tourism, Sports and the Arts minister, the late Stan Hagen. Hallsor, who registered as a lobbyist federally for work related to the marina proposal, said he considered registering provincially, but decided not to after consulting with another lawyer at his firm who believed Hallsor's activities did not meet the province's definition of “lobbying”.
Hallsor is president of the provincial B.C. Liberal constituency association in Victoria-Beacon Hill.
At the time Evans was seeking letters of support from the provincial cabinet ministers. The company he represents, Community Marine Concepts Ltd., has since applied to occupy 2.63 hectares in Victoria's inner harbour.
Asked about Pollen's comments and why the lobbying effort was needed, Evans said, “I've read your stuff and I'm not interested in talking to you . . . I really believe anything I say to you will turn around and bite me.”
Pollen was mayor of Victoria from 1971 to 1975 and from 1981 to 1985 Pollen. “The world is full of saints and sinners," he said. "The less sinners you can get in politics the better.”
Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.
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DPL
2 years ago
Money seems to talk in most
Money seems to talk in most places. Each time a article appears in the local paper it shows boats around 30 to 40 feet tucked right into the computer enhanced picture. Somebody sure must know somebody. I used to fly float planes into the harbour and it was crowded then.THere is lanes for aircraft and boats coming abnd going. The COHO has to back up almost to the blue bridge now and those expected, very large boats won't make it nay easier. The marina will be of little benefit for the locals.
circle A
2 years ago
I bet there`s plenty
of retired politicians of all stripes who watch the carryings on of the provincial liberal government and are so disgusted and stunned by the brazen blatent corruption that they just have to tell themselves"NO" I won`t speak of this.But i say to you this, the press knows how egregious the corruption is and i believe they would do the job they should have been doing since campbell got in but for prominent respected people giving voice to these concerns.
Grumpy
2 years ago
Welcome to BC.............
..........the most corrupt place in Canada! Not bad Eh!
doggone
2 years ago
The harder they fall
Any vessel is a possible environmental disaster. The larger it is the more likely it will be serious - I'm not talking about loss of human life - just the affects when one sinks or grinds up on whatever it happened to be aimed at when the Helmsman took his/her break.
Last time I looked Victoria Harbour was fairly busy (a couple of years ago). Adding more large vessel traffic and consequently reducing moorage and access for existing traffic seems ludicrous!
Only in Victoria would it make sense
freebear
2 years ago
Payola BC!
Swine at the trough!
Norman Farrell
2 years ago
Not isolated situation
This project and its behind-the-scenes maneuvering illustrates the way BC Liberals do business. Don't get upset at this project alone because it is happening nearby and will block views from the iconic inner-harbor stroll.
Get angry for the closed door dealing that is undermining our province in so many ways, on so many projects. Campbell and his minions are puppets on strings. Learn about the puppet-masters.
http://northerninsights.blogspot.com/2009/10/influence-byond-reason.html
dave49
2 years ago
Good work!
Andrew,
Keep up the good work in uncovering this dubious activity and connections. Maybe the MSM will realize this is why no one wants to pay for their 'product' anymore!