Heed reinstated as B.C.'s top cop

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has reinstated Kash Heed as the province's solicitor general.

Heed was forced to step down in April when it was revealed the RCMP was conducting an investigation into his May 2009 election campaign in the Vancouver-Fraserview riding. The investigation related to an unregistered election brochure that was distributed during the campaign.

On Monday, the Crown charged two of Heed's campaign workers with a variety of offences, but cleared Heed of any wrongdoing.

Campbell told reporters in a phone call from Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday that Heed had been reappointed.

"I think, as the special prosecutor has said, there's no evidence that Mr. Heed was either involved in the production of the pamphlets or had direct knowledge of it, and I think that that's very important," the premier said.

"I think that he did the right thing when he stepped aside and I think, after the years and years of public service he's given, it'll be great to have him back."

It was not immediately clear exactly when Heed would resume his post.

New Democrat MLA Mike Farnworth said on Monday that Heed should not return to cabinet until the charges against his workers have made their way through the courts.