B.C. New Democrat leader John Horgan released the following statement:

“Premier Clark has said for months that there is not enough money to pay for needed improvements in public education in this province.  She has said that there’s not enough money to allow single moms on income assistance to keep their child support payments. But when it comes to her friends, the bank is open.

“One of the premier’s oldest friends took offence at something an elected member of the legislature said about her. She decided to sue him. And now Christy Clark is going to let taxpayers foot the bill for her friend. That is unacceptable.

“Taxpayers will not foot the bill for Rob Fleming’s defense, and they certainly should not pay for the legal action launched by Ms. Mentzelopoulos.”