VANCOUVER — British Columbia top legislative official has retired after a report by a former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada says he improperly claimed benefits.
New Democrat House Leader Mike Farnworth told the legislature today that Craig James has retired with a “non-financial” settlement.
Both James and sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz were suspended last November amid allegations of improper spending that set off an RCMP investigation and the appointment of a special prosecutor last year.
Farnworth announced that Lenz would remain suspended from his job with pay.
James’s retirement was announced after the release of the report by Beverley McLachlin, who was appointed in March to investigate allegations of spending abuses in the legislature.
Lenz and James have denied any wrongdoing, saying a report by the legislature Speaker harmed their reputation, adding that their expenses were approved.
The Canadian Press
