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The lawyer representing two senior officials suspended and escorted from B.C. Legislative days ago saying that his clients did nothing wrong and still do not know why they are investigating.
F & # 39; letter provided to CBC source, attorney Mark D. Andrews also condemned the suspensions "hasty" the Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Lenz and the Clerk of the House Craig James, who called again come immediately.
Escorted by police
On Tuesday, the House leaders voted unanimously to pass a motion to Lenz and James put on indefinite leave, pending RCMP investigation. The police escorted the men by the legislature immediately after the motion passed.
Andrews sent a letter to House leaders on Friday, said that his clients were given no explanation for "this extreme treatment."
"Craig James and Gary Lenz deny having committed any wrongdoing. They are entitled to be treated as innocent until proven guilty. As a matter of & # 39; basic fairness, they deserve to know x & # 39; is alleged to have done and will be given an opportunity to respond to those allegations, "read the letter.
Politicians have not been informed
Andrews noted in the letter that the media statements made it clear that politicians do not have any information on the probe or making inappropriate to vote on their suspensions.
"It was not appropriate. You must be provided with & # 39; sufficient information to form a considered judgment on the motion and the need to take such action draconja" Andrews continued.
"The mere fact that an investigation is not sufficient grounds to suspend them from their posts."
The housing leaders confirmed to the CBC received copies of the letter.
Faced with the Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Lenz, center, is escorted out by the legislature b & # 39; security after he and Clerk Craig James House – two key officials in the legislature of British Columbia – put on indefinite leave pending a criminal investigation on Tuesday. (Dirk Meissner / Canadian Press)
Andrews said that one of the special prosecutors assigned to the investigation, David Butcher, said special prosecutors and RCMP with Lenz and James asked to be removed from their roles in the House.
Immediate action required
At the end of & # 39; letter, Andrews commits the House leaders to take action "immediately" to withdraw the motion on Tuesday.
"The time is & # 39; essence if some damage to our customers … to be counted", wrote the lawyer.
Andrew also compared the situation & # 39; Lenz and James to dismissal of & # 39; eight Ministry of Health staff in 2012. Those "fast" redundancies, Andrew said, were guided by "bad suspicion and investigation."
"Owe b & # 39; respect it appears that these mistakes are being repeated," wrote the lawyer.
Read the full letter below:
The liberal answers call
Later Friday, the Head of the Opposition House Mary Polak issued a letter to House Speaker Darryl Plecas asking for a meeting & # 39; Emergency Committee & # 39; Management of the Legislative Assembly.
That body of all parties there to "develop & # 39; policies for the administration and financial management & # 39; Legislative Assembly." Liberal spokesman said the meeting did not take place.
A few hours after the letter & # 39; Polak, the Liberals sent another letter, this time addressed to NDP House Leader Mike Farnworth House and Green Party Leader Sonia Fürstenau.
That letter made a series of & # 39; questions about the government's affair management & # 39; now.
Read the full letter below:
Officials are tight
The RCMP did not reveal any details about the nature of & # 39; the investigation Lenz and James, but there was a schedule & # 39; clearer as time what led to the suspensions of & # 39; bombers started to emerge Wednesday.
At a conference of & # 39; news, Alan Mullen – special adviser & # 39; Plecas – said Plecas placed in & # 39; in January, and said concerns about Lenz and James.
Mullen quiet investigated seven men & # 39; months and reported its findings to the RCMP in & # 39; August. The RCMP contacted the Crown a month & # 39; later, and since then two special prosecutors appointed to the case.
On Thursday, Polak showed another twist to the scandal: she read a sworn affidavit to reporters said Plecas had on Monday, days before the suspensions, called Mullen appointed as the temporary replacement & # 39 Lenz;.
Polak said she, Farnworth and Fürstenau immediately discontinued request & # 39; Plecas.
Wally Oppal appointed
After the announcement of & # 39; Polak, Plecas avoid the media – but Mullen issued by the office & # 39; Speaker to announce it has been appointed special advisor to the second guide to Plecas on "legal matters".
Former B.C. the attorney general Wally Oppal increased this role.
Deputy Clerk Kate Kate Ryan Lloyd was appointed as a temporary clerk and Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Randy Ennis as sġillier in arms until investigate.
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