VICTORIA – With ongoing chaos at the B.C. Lottery Corporation, the B.C. Liberal government has mislead British Columbians and failed to address systemic problems that are now undermining the public interest, the New Democrats say.

“This is more evidence of chaos from a government that is fraught with scandal and just can’t be trusted. It’s up the Minister now to step up and address the crisis of confidence plaguing B.C. Lotteries,” said New Democrat housing and social development critic Shane Simpson.Shane Simpson

Part of the confusion is stemming from the fact that the B.C. Liberal government cannot get its story straight.

After the government’s expansion into the world of online gambling was announced to much fanfare last week and then suddenly shut down, the B.C. Lottery Corporation finally admitted yesterday that they closed down PlayNow.com because people's private information was being compromised.

At first, Minister Coleman and the BCLC tried to tell people that the site was shut down because it was a victim of its own success, as too many people tried to log on at once. Now, the government has admitted that the situation was tied to a serious security breach.  

“After assuring British Columbians they would protect people’s personal information, the B.C. Liberals have done just the opposite. It’s another troubling example of how this government has dropped the ball when it comes to the protection of privacy,” said New Democrat citizens’ services critic Doug Routley.

“The CEO of the BCL C says he had been keeping Minister Coleman in the loop on all developments, so why did the minister not tell people the truth last week? Leadership is about taking responsibility and being accountable, and the minister has done neither,” said Routley.Doug Routley

On Tuesday it was also revealed that BCLC has been fined over $670,000 by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre, which enforces the federal Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act. Simpson has written to Minister Rich Coleman asking him to release all information regarding these fines.

“Whether it’s the HST or gaming, the B.C. Liberals just can’t be trusted to keep their word.  To make matters worse, after breaking their promise not to expand gambling, the B.C. Liberals are now failing to provide the programs and services necessary to help people struggling with gambling addictions,” said Simpson.

“People have heard nothing but excuses on all fronts of this scandal. It’s time for the minister to take responsibility and start being up front with British Columbians.”

The Carole James New Democrats are building a long-term vision with practical solutions to address our social, economic and environmental challenges.

Doug Routley

Nanaimo-North Cowichan

Doug Routley was elected as the MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan on May 12, 2009.

Shane Simpson

Vancouver-Hastings

Shane Simpson was re-elected as the MLA for Vancouver Hastings on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.