Wally Oppal defends House Speaker, saying he was acting on 'advice'

Former B.C. attorney general WallyOppalis defending the Speaker of the legislature, saying Darryl Plecas was acting on advicein a scandal that has seentwo top officials placed on administrative leave amid an RCMP investigation.

Oppalmade the comments after what he calls a"productive" meeting with Plecas and his special adviser Alan Mullen at the legislature on Friday.

He said Plecas has been scrutinized unfairly in the days sinceSergeant-at-Arms GaryLenzand Clerk of the House Craig James were suspended and escorted from the house.

"[Plecas] is a well-spoken intelligent person with a great academic background and he didn't do anything in a capricious way," Oppal said.

'He's an honorable person': Wally Oppal defends Speaker after private meeting

6 years ago

Duration 0:57

The recently appointed second adviser to the House Speaker talks about Darryl Plecas' decision not to release a public statement.

The former attorney general was appointed as a second adviser to Plecas on Thursday, to giveadvice on what he calls legal matters.

Oppalsays he can't comment on the specifics of the criminal investigation, which has seen the appointment of two special prosecutors but no details offered to the public.

"I can't possibly compromise the investigation," he said.

Few details in ongoing scandal

Plecas has been in the hot seat since the official Oppositionrevealed he asked Mullen a longtime friend to work as hisspecial adviser in January, in part because he had concerns about Lenz and James.

Mullen investigated the men for seven months before reporting his findings to RCMP, which opened its own investigation. That investigation led to the motion to have Lenz and James suspended on Tuesday.

On Thursday,Opposition House Leader Mary Polak said Plecas had asked for Mullento replace Lenz while he was on leave and idea that was quickly shot down.

SincePolak's revelation,Plecashas largely dodged reporters. Hescheduledand cancelleda news conference, then promiseda statement that never materialized.

'It's not appropriate': Mary Polak describes meeting with speaker earlier this week

6 years ago

Duration 0:52

Opposition leaders raise concerns about speaker's plan to appoint friend as sergeant-at-arms.

Oppal said he thought Plecas made"a wise" choice in avoiding the press.

"There's an ongoing criminal investigation, which really is the focus of what we're doing, and this is peripheral stuff involving the Speaker. I can understand the public being concerned about this but time will tell," he said.

Instead,Mullen announced Plecas had requested a second special adviser to help with legal questions, and that Wally Oppal would be stepping into that role.

On Friday,Oppalalso spoke highly of the Speaker's character.

"He's anhonourableperson and whatever he's done and said has been said as a result of advice that he received ...It is somewhat unfair, in my view, to be cross-examining the Speaker," he said.

Acting officials in place

Current Deputy Clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd has been appointed as acting clerk and current Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms RandyEnnisas sergeant-at-arms pending the investigation.

The clerk of the house gives non-partisan advice to the Speaker and can be consulted on procedural matters, as well as maintaining a record of all the legislature's proceedings.

The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for maintaining order in the legislative chamber and other areas involved in the business of the house.

Wally Oppal explains why details of legislature investigation aren't public

6 years ago

Duration 0:50

Oppal, a former B.C. attorney general, says releasing details could endanger the accuseds' right to a fair trial if criminal charges are ever laid.