Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg last year accepted a gift from a group dedicated to “minister exploration,” according to the most recent disclosure statements filed through the province's conflict of interest commissioner.

Hogg's statement lists a “Gala ticket to Zajac Denim to Diamonds Gala, donated by Assoc. For Minister Exploration BC on May 28, 2009, valued at $250.00.”

While an internet search turns up no such group, the name is very similar to that of a mining lobby group, the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C.. Premier Gordon Campbell had appointed Hogg as minister of state for mining on June 23, 2008.

Hogg also received, “Two Gala tickets to Heart of Gold Gala, donated by Bobbe Wood, President of Heart and Stroke Foundation on May 29, 2009, total value $500.00.”

Hogg was not reappointed to cabinet after the May, 2009, election.

Other gifts valued at $250 or greater that MLAs declared on the forms filed on Nov. 27 by conflict of interest commissioner Paul Fraser with the clerk of the legislative assembly are:

“Trip to Korea in October 2008, paid partly by Burquitlam Riding Association, valued at $2,200, and balance paid by Member”: Harry Bloy, MLA for Burquitlam;

“First Nations carving, donated by All Nations Trust Company on November 18, 2008, valued at $700.00”: Iain Black, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam and minister of small business, technology and economic development;

“Elk/Moose beaded vest, donated by Carrier Sekani First Nations at 'Letting Go' ceremony on October 24, 2008, valued at $500.00”: Carole James, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill and NDP opposition leader;

“Ticket to attend 2008 keynote presentation with Former President Bill Clinton and Frank Giustra—Investing Today for Tomorrow: Corporate Responsibility in BC—donated by Business Council of BC on October 17, 2008, valued at $495.00”: Rich Coleman, MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove and minister of housing and social development;

“Ticket to BC Business Council Outlook 2020 Event, donated by Telus on June 16, 2009, valued at $299”: Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Panorama; and

“Aboriginal canvas, donated by BC Aboriginal Child Care Society on March 20, 2009, valued at $250.00”: Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East and former minister of state for child care.

Altogether the 85 MLAs disclosed $5,194 worth of gifts valued at $250 or more.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.