Craig James

Brock Martland told a B.C. Supreme Court Tuesday that former clerk Craig James made dozens of personal purchases and claimed them as professional expenses during trips to the United States and United Kingdom.

Craig James pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud over $5,000 and three counts of breach of trust by a public officer. His defence lawyers have not yet presented arguments in court. 

The former clerk of the British Columbia legislature has been charged with four counts of breach of trust and two counts of fraud in excess of $5,000.

Premier John Horgan defended how his chief of staff handled allegations made against the former clerk of the B.C. legislature when he first learned of them in July 2018 as the Liberals questioned a decision to shred a document outlining the accusations.

British Columbia's recently retired sergeant-at-arms committed neglect of duty and didn't tell the truth during an investigation into misconduct at the provincial legislature, a report released on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, concluded.

British Columbia Premier John Horgan says he hopes the retirement of the legislature's sergeant-at-arms will mark a turning point for the institution after allegations of misspending were first raised almost a year ago.

The sergeant-at-arms of the British Columbia legislature announced his retirement on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, saying the damage to his reputation can no longer be fully repaired after he was placed on administrative leave last year when questions were raised about his spending.

British Columbia's auditor general says the province's legislature must set higher standards for expense reporting by top administrative officials following allegations of spending abuses made by Speaker Darryl Plecas.

Premier John Horgan says the appointment of a retired Supreme Court of Canada chief justice to investigate allegations of spending abuses at British Columbia's legislature ensures the probe will be thorough and won't conflict with an ongoing police investigation.

British Columbia Premier John Horgan says a recent report alleging spending abuses by the clerk and sergeant-at-arms raises concerns about a broader culture of "entitlement" in the legislature, but there isn't much he can do as premier.

Premier John Horgan says a call to clean up the British Columbia legislature should not absolve the Opposition Liberals from explaining allegations of spending abuses by two top officials dating back to when the party was in power.

British Columbia's Green party will not support the return to the legislature of two senior officers after a report by the Speaker was released alleging spending abuses.

The Speaker of British Columbia's legislature has promised to resign if a financial audit he is recommending doesn't prompt public outrage and back his handling of a controversy that has engulfed the province's politics.