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Basi-Virk defence calls Premier Gordon Campbell a 'micromanager'

Is Premier Gordon Campbell a “micromanager” who gets so involved in the details of government decisions that he had to sign off his approval on the design and colour of B.C. highway signs?

That was the unusual allegation Monday at the trial of three former B.C. Liberal government aides facing corruption charges connected to the $1 billion sale of B.C. Rail in 2003.

Kevin McCullough, representing ex-aide Bob Virk, was questioning Martyn Brown – Campbell’s chief of staff.

“Are you aware that Mr. Campbell approved each highway sign?” McCullough asked.

“I don’t recall…but I would hazard a guess he would see them and approve them,” Brown replied. “We obviously wouldn’t want a sign that the premier found objectionable,”

McCullough: “I’m going to suggest that Premier Campbell is a micromanager.”

Brown: “Some media have commented on that ….I don’t know that it’s micromanaging – that’s an appropriate response for a person in his position.”

At other points in Brown's cross examination he had repeated difficulty remembering meetings and conversations McCullough wanted to question him on.

Brown is expected to continue his testimony Tuesday.

Bill Tieleman writes about the Basi-Virk trial for The Tyee and 24 Hours Vancouver. A longer version of this article first appeared on his blog.

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