VICTORIA -- The Campbell government refused to answer tough questions posed by North Island MLA Claire Trevena in the Legislature on Tuesday afternoon about the role of a top Liberal insider in arranging the energy purchase agreement for Plutonic Power’s project on the Toba Inlet.

Trevena’s questions were part of a spirited exchange on the last day of the Claire TrevenaLegislative session, when New Democrat MLAs peppered the government with questions about the activities of Gordon Campbell’s campaign manager, Patrick Kinsella, and his involvement in key decisions from the sale of B.C. Rail to the privatization of B.C. Hydro.

“Plutonic Power has confirmed that Mr. Kinsella has been providing them with ‘high-level strategic advice on public policy.’” Trevena said during question period in the Legislature.

“We also know that in 2006 B.C. Hydro offered Plutonic an energy purchase agreement for its East Toba–Montrose run-of-the-river project. My question is to the Minister of Energy. What did Mr. Kinsella and the Premier do to ensure that Plutonic Power got the energy purchase agreement?”

The energy minister declined to answer. Instead Attorney General Wally Oppal told the Legislature that the government wouldn’t answer because Kinsella’s activities are before the courts in the B.C. Rail corruption trial.

“I've got to say I'm shocked by the contempt that the Attorney General is holding this House in,” responded Trevena. “The people of B.C. know that this isn't before the courts, and they want to have some answers. B.C. Hydro isn't before the courts, and Plutonic isn't before the courts.”

Trevena said the past few weeks have been marked by the unprecedented number of times the Campbell government used the excuse “it’s before the courts” to dodge any questions related to the Kinsella’s involvement in the sell-off of public assets.

“The Campbell Liberals shut down the session early so they wouldn’t have to face any more questions about the activities of their friends and insiders,” said Trevena. “They were so anxious to get out the Legislature that they broke their promise to bring in tougher lobbying rules – rules that would help avoid future scandals.”

The Liberals refused to answer every single question posed in Tuesday’s question period. To view the full exchange, please click on this link.

Claire Trevena

North Island

Claire was first elected in May 2005 and was re-elected on May 12, 2009.