VICTORIA – New Democrats challenged the B.C. Liberals to explain why conflict of interest standards were ignored when the head of the B.C. Lottery Corporation went to work for a casino company.

“Two weeks ago, we heard that Michael Graydon had suddenly left his post as head of the B.C. Lottery Corporation where he oversaw the gambling industry. Then days later, we found out he had jumped straight into a role as CEO of a gaming company,” said New Democrat gaming critic Shane Simpson.

“In question period today, the Liberals told us they were taking the matter seriously and investigating it. This is a good start, but a closed-door investigation will not restore the public’s trust. This government needs to commit to an investigation that is comprehensive, transparent and released to the public in its entirety.”

Simpson also noted that the Liberals are sidestepping the question of whether Graydon was allowed to bypass government employment standards.

“Senior public servants are subject to a one-year ‘cooling-off’ period,” Simpson noted. “Exemptions to this rule can be granted, but only by the premier’s deputy minister, John Dyble. The B.C. Liberals need to answer the simple question we posed today: was Mr. Graydon given a free pass on this cooling-off period? And if so, did he get that free pass from the premier’s office?”