BC RAIL/’BASI-VIRK’ EXCLUSIVE: 2007 Disclosure Application Reveals Plenty About RCMP Investigation, Special Prosecututor Conflicts and Star Witness Erik Bornmann’s Allegation that Premier’s Brother Bruce Clark Bribed Dave Basi
What you are about to read is the ‘NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR DISCLOSURE’ filed in February 2007 by ‘Basi-Virk’ defence counsel (Joe Doyle, Kevin McCullough and Michael Bolton, QC).
Among the extraordinary points:
• Wiretap (of the BC legislature) denials by a judge based on parliamentary privilege being “at issue” were allegedly ignored by the RCMP, who in turn, deleted the words “Parliament Buildings” and resubmitted to another judge with just the legislature’s address intact–BUT NEVER TOLD THE NEW JUDGE about the previous denials.
• On the same application the RCMP sought to wiretap ‘Basi govt line” without explaining that this was also the main line to the Minister of Finance’s Office. That’s how there were intercepted calls between then premier Gordon Campbell and former finance minister Gary Collins.
• One of the main RCMP investigators bought a house in 1999 from Sukhbir Basi–Dave Basi’z mother. For the purpose of consummating that transaction, Dave Basi himself conducted the entire sale on behalf of his mother. Was that RCMP officer in a conflict of interest? You be the judge.
• The RCMP never asked for permission of the then Speaker (Claude Richmond) to proceed with wiretaps of legislative buildings.
• The process by which BC Rail was disposed of was deeply flawed–this appeared on successive wiretaps.
• Direct orders from Collins to Basi “not to lose OmniTRAX” (stalking horse allegations).
• Intercepted call between Basi and Virk, with Basi assuring Virk of Collins-authorized consolation prize to OmniTRAX.
• RCMP learns through “intercepted communications” that Basi personally advised OmniTRAX of Collins-approved consolation prize for them as well. (Where would Collins get permission to order such an expensive gift?)
• How was there “criminal wrongdoing” only on the part of Basi and Virk if they were following orders?
• RCMP aware through more “intercepted communications” that Basi’s “previous advice” to Virk regarding the Collins-approved consolation prize to OmniTRAX was “significantly corroborated.”
• Basi consistent on wiretaps regarding these points.
• RCMP Sergeant that led investigation team was brother-in-law to Executive Director of BC Liberal Party. Noted Sgt. advises superiors of potential conflict but “at some point.” In fact, well into the investigation; why the delay?
• RCMP contacted a Special Prosecutor only AFTER warrant to search Bobby Virk’s office listed wrong address.
• Instead of taking advice of SP to redo warrant and vacate current one, one of the lead RCMP investigators calls a Supreme Court judge and receives authorization without further warrant or any paperwork.
• The “drug investigation” allegations and RCMP campaign and public relations strategy were “deleterious to the fair trial rights of the accused.” (Considering that “organized crime at the highest levels” was never explained by the RCMP, you wonder how many times the defence raised this key point that also speaks to the public interest).
• In an absolutely stunning revelation, notwithstanding the “exculpatory nature of the Nov. 17/2K3 wiretap between Basi and Virk vis-a-vis Minister Collins (approval of consolation prize to stalking horse OmniTRAX)”–the RCMP elected NOT to conduct any FURTHER investigation of Gary Collins. If Gary Collins was under criminal investigation, then this flies in the face of media statements made by Special Prosecutor Janet Winteringham that “no government members were ever under investigation.” Is also rips to shreds the CTV Vancouver story where Christy Clark bloviator Jim Beatty heralded the “complete exoneration” of all government members, most notably Christy Clark.
• RCMP and Office of Special Prosecutor commenced negotiations with George MacIntosh, QC (Erik Bornmann’s lawyer) to obtain testimony of a credible snitch.
• Special Prosecutor William Berardino, QC, taught Erik Bornmann a law class but apparently had no idea Bornmann was present. Conflict? You be the judge.
• Bornmann lied about getting the “all clear” from authorities to continue lobbying government AFTER becoming key witness.
• Disclosure matters not adequately addressed, including missing documents. Incompetence or obstruction?
• Video cassettes missing of Gary Collins’ Basi-arranged ‘Villa del Lupo’ dinner with OmniTRAX executives.
• In 2007, Special Prosecutor Bill Berardino’s office advises defence counsels Bolton, McCullough and Doyle that a “further statement” from Erik Bornmann would be released–that statement was taken in 2005–TWO YEARS EARLIER.
• Erik Bornmann in his statement to RCMP alleged that Bruce Clark, brother of then Deputy Premier (and current Premier) Christy Clark, bribed David Basi. The RCMP executed search warrants on Mr. Clark’s bank accounts. What was the outcome of those executed warrants? Was this a case of a Bonmann smear job or yet another example of the RCMP ignorance? If Bornmann was a “credible” witness, how can any part of his testimony be deemed untrue or manufactured and still remain credible?
Again as with Tuesday’s post of the Kinsella application, the documents below are involved and lengthy. The allegations are either (since) known, remain unproven or of unknown status.
Prepare for another 25+ page read–but most worthwhile.
It all illustrates the significant problems with this investigation, including an apparent frustration of disclosure rules by the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the OBVIOUS, pressing need for a full public inquiry.
In my not-so-humble opinion, it is a complete OUTRAGE that the media in this province continue to remain silent on this issue. The opinions of major media celebrities (well, what else would you call them at this point?) like Bill Good and Keith Baldrey are clearly, totally out of sync with the reality of what has transpired. FOR SHAME.
Behold…
http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/62660216?access_key=key-18c26akf52l7wpxpyxpf
man you are a one man news machine.
i don’t know what to write i’m so shocked by all this material.
you deserve an order of bc alex. the whole province is reading you believe me on this one and we appreciate everything bud.
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Too kind. But appreciate your kind words, thank you.
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I disagree with east van boy Alex.
You are a one man wrecking crew! These documents leave me speechless. Where are the mainstream media?
Hey Christy I think it’s time you resigned and we saved the party by getting rid of all your corrupt cronies.
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The Prom Queen would NEVER do that…. she enjoys wearing the sash and plastic rhinestone tiara too much!
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Another stick of dynamite Alex , cant wait for what you do next.
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Def Con 1: The Nuclear Option.
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In the words of the immortal Mayor of Hiroshima:
“What was that?”
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Rest assured that the people around Christy are getting the picture. Not the idiotic sycophants that directly gain from her power, but people she needs on a regular basis. I have heard many times now that people feel like they need a shower after meetings with her people. That is not the knockout punch many hope for, however, OJ simpson was acquitted as well but the shame and disgrace and just pure disgust wore on him until he was taken care of.
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She’s blown it bigtime with MANY people that put her in the Premier’s chair.
She is the quintessential epitome of Marie Antoinette.
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About the only people she hasn’t blown it with are Lorne Mayencourt (not sure what his loyalty is there, he’s a smarter cookie than that) and the lovely Botoxed Pamela Martin, who isn’t an MLA anyways. Heh.
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Another post that has me vacillating between anger, depression, revulsion, and frustration. And yet again, I must thank you for it and urge you to continue your exemplary work.
Because the usual suspects in the MSM and government (including the parasites that surround them) must surely read your posts and experience vacillating emotions as well. Fear and panic likely. Shame? I doubt it.
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Boy talk about organised (EDITED FOR LEGAL REASONS)….if this isn’t then i’d like to know what is……..thank you Alex,I continue to read every day
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You are most welcome but you must strictly adhere to the commenting rules or I’m afraid I cannot approve your comments. I enjoy having you here, but please don’t put me into a situation I don’t need.
Thank you in advance.
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Wow! That was fun, and if it wasn’t for Cirilo Lopez going to jail, Basi’s cousin Bains may not have tried to fill the gap in the drug trade which lead to the wiretaps. Thank you Cirilio.
I have three areas of concern today.
1- I would like to read the Bornman Statement and the Annomous Witness Statement before I meet my maker.
2- I would have liked to see the look on Dennis Washington’s face when he realized that his lobbying efforts through Bruce Clark to purchase the Roberts Bank Subdivision was tharted by both the possible consolation prize going to Omnitrax, and then ultimately it’s cancellation due to RCMP advice.
At first he may have been upset, but as time wears on, he is probably glad that he is not included in this mess today. (so far)
3- I find it utterly discusting that our esteemed law enforcemnent organizations can waste so much time and taxpayers money following those (everywhichway) leads, only to settle for a snack on the low hanging fruit. ( a couple of underlings stuffing their pockets with some cash )
Who placed the phone call that made that happen?
Thank you Alex, maybe someday, someone else with cojones will step forward and help us find the answers.
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You’re welcome.
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Kerry – Actually, there is some resemblance to Cannonball – Detective Frank Cannon, i.e. William Conrad! Though most here may be too young to recall that great T.V. drama of years past, and that may include his doppelganger, Alex G.!
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Um, I believe he was about a half a foot shorter than me and tipped the scales at 300+ lbs.
I’m 5′ 11″ and weigh in at some sixty five pounds less (and dropping–very good since May).
But thanks for the compliment Sir Lawrence, you do wonders for my ego….which has never really needed much help….NO CAN WE STICK TO THE TOPIC OF THIS POST PLEASE!
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• Video cassettes missing of Gary Collins’ Basi-arranged ‘Villa del Lupo’ dinner with OmniTRAX executives.
Were there any cassettes of the conversation? Or were they ALL “disappeared”??
Let an inqiry begin!!!
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The key point is that none of this was ever fully tested in court because of a very timely plea deal. Very convenient for Collins et al.
I’ll be delighted with surprise if any of this is ever presented in the mainstream press.
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Very convenient.
Makes you wonder what a Special Prosecutor has to do to get disqualified?
Teach law to a star witness; donate to the party of the government you are investigating for corruption or generally withhold key pieces or evidence and delay the pre-trial period to the extent that the accused’s legal team had to go begging cap in hand to the judge for their most basic rights to be fully satisfied.
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You hit the nail on the head — what does a Special Prosecutor have to do to get disqualified? Or a judge for that matter.
Here again, the media has to take a big chunk of blame. The media’s silence contributes to the lack of accountability.
If the public isn’t informed, if this information is generally withheld from the vast majority of the public who doesn’t take time to inform themselves, then it’s as if it didn’t happen. If a tree falls in the forest and nobody knows about it, it didn’t happen.
The media should be a key part of the checks and balances of society, to ensure our leaders don’t run off with the silverware. Instead the media appear to be hand-maidens of the political class, who in turn do the bidding of their corporate “friends”. Friends (snort). The political classes are just being used by the corporate thugs, just as the politicos use their media “friends”.
Another example of the media’s lack of integrity, CBC again, is that, for the last five years or so, Clark Robertson has been a member of CBC Radio Victoria’s weekly morning show political panel, representing the Liberals. He’s always introduced as legal counsel for the Liberals in opposition.
What the CBC has never disclosed to its listening public is that Clark Robertson is Gary Collins’ lawyer in the BC Rail investigation.
Even when their political panel discussed the BC Rail and/or Basi-Virk case (which was rare), CBC did not disclose Clark Robertson’s “special” role.
Our major assets have been stolen out from under our noses, leaving a hollow shell, like that of an insect that’s been preyed upon by a spider. The general public just hasn’t realized it yet, but we’re done. No authority is taking any meaningful action to stop this. This is a very sad and dangerous time that BC may never recover from in our lifetimes.
I still hold out a slim hope that the people will rise up against the growing tide of corruption in our government, police, courts, public agencies, etc. (as is happening in India now, and has happened in Australia earlier this year where they recently formed a special, truly independent commission to root out bureaucratic corruption).
A very special thank you Alex for making it possible for us, the citizens of this province, to see the dirty deeds unearthed in these documents. The public needs to become better informed, and if it does, that will lead to public pressure being put on these corrupt “public” entities, one and all, demanding a throrough house-cleaning.
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“No authority is taking any meaningful action to stop this”
So very true. Who and where are the public’s authority? Are they the ones that are leaving these leftovers after the profit has been made out of the deal? Yes, where does the uprising start? It seems there are too many people just going about there business as if nothing is happening….not realizing the future of their children will have so much less than they have enjoyed. So….who SHOULD be the authority? They have done a weak job so far, and the examples of other countries shows what this leads to.
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I have this growing sensation in the pit of my stomach that my worst fears are coming true: That not only is our government and their cronies corrupt, but the people we trust and depend upon to protect us from the breaches of public trust, the bribery, collusion, lies and outright theft from the citizens of BC, have themselves been compromised and corrupted.
But then, why should I be shocked? Why would the perpetrators of corruption stop at the media? It is becoming obvious that the tentacles of corruption have reached those who should have been “untouchable”. I think I’m going to be sick.
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While I agree with you completely and actually have renewed hope because of the many sacrifices Alex has made (as the past decade in BC has forced me to rethink everything I thought to be true about the world and those around me as this group kept getting re-elected), it also makes me continue to wonder about most everything else. While this is the SUPREME example of all examples, what might it imply about all our institutions both public and private. Despite my hope that this will be our own Watergate or Sponsorship Scandal bringing about badly needed systemic change and accountability in government, business, law enforcement, judiciary, media, education, and democratic participation, I realize that this is impossible. Self-interest and subjectivity in human beings so often clouds objectivity and the impulse to do better. How else could all this have happened on such a large and obvious scale for so long? How could we be in a situation where everyone involved truly believed that the facts as Alex’s documents present them could be buried or media-spun away forever!?!
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You have to wonder what other bids were done in the same way as BC Rail? I mean has anyone ever looked into oh I don’t know maybe the MSP deal with Maximus or the revenue management deal with EDS. And then there’s all the Hydro IPP deals and the Pacific Carbon trust scams etc etc etc.
BTW I think Penner is right, the Liberals are completely 100% toast in the next election which is only weeks away from being called evidently. At this point as much as I hate the NDP I look forward to watching the Liberals implode. What’s the worst that could happen?
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james says:August 19, 2011 at 12:46 PM
You have to wonder what other bids were done in the same way as BC Rail?
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How about the privatised BC Highway Maintenance contract.
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You need stop reading the blonde BSers blog. That’s small potatoes. Begin with the stadium roof and the convention center. And P3s. And the Owelympics–that we are STILL paying for.
And don’t forget the BILLIONS for ‘Rape of River’ schemes. And let’s not even start about BC Hydro and BC Ferries.
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I had the same question as James – and Alex has listed the many other possible insider deals. That was how the BC Liberal government of Gordon Campbell operated.
If nothing else, we must remember the BC election of 2001. The opposition was reduced to 2 seats!
I think that no matter how angry we get with the government, every group in power needs a strong opposition – someone to balance them and keep them honest. Otherwise the system corrupts ~
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You are so right. I don’t remember who said it, but the quote certainly fits the BC Liberal party of this past decade: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
I think the results of the HST referendum will be the gauge as to how the electorate will vote in the next provincial election.
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You are quite possibly correct. Although, I fear if the HST carries then it will be because they manipulated the numbers. The process is just so secret and rife with possible fraud.
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You can add to your list the Edgewater Casino deal with Paragon, which was intimately linked to that scam of the fantastically expensive BC Place stadium roof demanded by ex-BCLC head/Paragon shareholder/BC Liberal insider T. Richard Turner… That mega-casino bid process had an approx 3 week turnaround with virtually no bidders except Paragon, an inexperienced US company with local vested interests. Paragon’s bid was, of course, accepted. And now they seem to have skipped town. Sorry to veer off topic, but James is correct. The BC Rail pattern is being repeated all over the place. Independent Power Projects (IPPs) are a good example.
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What amazes me is the fact that the MSM was there when the raid was made on the Legislature; they were there throughout the Basi-Virk trial but they are no where to be seen when the truth of the BCR scandal comes out.
Not only have the MSM done a huge dis-service to the population of British Columbia but our once highly regarded national police force, the RCMP, has become complicit in the scandal by “not getting their man”, so to speak.
What must be done to get the ball rolling on a full judicial inquiry into this rotting mess called “the sale of BCR”?
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Take these links and all the others I’ve done on BC Rail and bombard every single newspaper in the province. That’s a start.
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Way to go, AGT! Thanks again!
I’ve said this before and I’ll undoubtedly say it again: THE USELESS, SYNCOPHANTIC, CORPORATE-CONTROLLED LAMESTREAM MEDIA HACKS SHOULD TAKE A LESSON FROM YOU!
Be ashamed, BC Media.
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Oh, c’mon now. On CKNW their top news alert this afternoon was….drum roll, please……
THE ROUGH RIDERS HAVE FIRED COACH MARSHALL. Yup, ‘The Giant’, the news leader, the most listened to receptacle of BC Liberal BULLSHIT was so taken aback by the resignation of the Attorney General that instead of it being picked apart as the devastating news it is for Premier Snooki, they want you to know that the Rough Riders are without a coach.
Unbelievable.
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It appears to me that Basi and Virk were mostly just puppets doing their masters bidding.
Implications for RCMP lead investigator; Special Prosecutor; Collins and Christy (Gordo too perhaps?)
Disclosure violations
undisclosed documents on the “Documents not Disclosed” list with no explanation from RCMP or SP
Repeated SP misrepresentation to the court. How twisted can this get?
Alex do you ever fear that you are setting the bar too high for yourself as a reporter? How can you keep this stuff up? (I do hope you’ll try)
PS
I smell a movie script!
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You’re a comedian.
No, I don’t worry about the bar.
I’m a specialist at pushing it higher.
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And pushing yourself away from it? But keeping to subject: The only way that this woman and her cohorts can clear themselves now, is by calling for a judicial review of the whole sad affair. Unfortunately it has more twists and turns than a gimlet and is peopled by those who are as slippery as avocado stones and as calloused as a camel’s knee; so it would have to be someone beyond reproach, and probably someone from out of province given the political chicanery these last few years. Any suggestions out there? Just to get the ball rolling? Too bad Les Bewley has gone to the great beyond.
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“I smell a movie script!”
You know Mark, I think you are right. When this entire scenario is played out. it would be a seat grabber for sure.
I think a movie would help lay out the links for many folks.. I’m a visual/audio person myself….
Perhaps Alex that could be your next bar …
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No movies, thanks. I was recently offered a role in a locally shot series (I have no clue what’s happened to it as I thought it’d be out by now) to play a prison priest. Hysterical.
So no movies thanks. Besides, who would play me?! DeVito is way too short and Nicholson has gotten too fat. LOL!
Okay, enough fun. Let’s stick to the topic please.
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Alex, thank you for the perserverance on the BC Rail contract. Have your legal friends ever suggested that the contract could be voided for the possible fraud involved against the other bidders? Both BNSF and CPR apparently backed out because of the fixed nature of the deal and the way their bids were dealt with. Is there a legal basis for voiding the contract with CN or is the only hope a full public enquiry?
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It can’t be voided. Think of the financial ramifications. They’d be astronomical.
It would be very bad business. But those that rigged the process should go straight to jail.
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After having read all of the court documents, there is but one word to describe this entire affair – CORRUPT, CORRUPT, CORRUPT!
The stench is so great that it is no wonder that it is being avoided like the plague!
Alex, you are the only one who appears willing to venture into this cesspool of corruption.
Keep up your fine work, it is greatly appreciated by those of us who are interested in “honest, fair government”.
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Thanks Bas.
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Thank you Alex, thank you. You sir, deserve a medal.
άέρα
AERA!
AERA!
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I can think of no better word than corruption, to describe this situation. If it does indeed involve key members of the Cabinet, including Premiers Campbell and Clark, as well as Gary Collins, members of the Civil Service, including the Special Prosecutors Office, officials of the BC Liberal Party, key members of the Federal Liberal Party, including Christy Clark’s ex husband and her brother, and most distressingly, the RCMP, a full inquiry is absolutely essential. With Stephen Harper’s appointment of Campbell to an office of high prestige, he and the Conservatives are now also tainted. Like it or not, it may take a term of a gutsy NDP (who are also strangely – or strategically I hope – quiet on these matters), to get to the bottom of this, and to get us back to a more civil and morally sound society. Time to turf out, clean up and start fresh.
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Good day Alex, i was wondering about other newspapers , like the Abbortsford,Langly,Surry etc papers,won’t they cover any of this ? You would think one of these news papers would want to be the ones to be the first and shame the Sun, and province.
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Ask them. I can’t be bothered to listen to excuses. Besides, this blog is a news source on it’s own. Almost 50,000 British Columbians read the Kinsella post alone.
Don’t kid yourselves and think this material won’t eventually get covered. It will. And at the right time.
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Don’t expect from Postmedia’s communities papers what you don’t get from Postmedia’s flagship dailies. This is their list of smaller papers in BC. “Only in Canada,” you say?
Abbotsford/Mission Times
Burnaby Now
Chilliwack Times
Coquitlam Now
Delta Optimist
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Times
New Westminster Record
North Shore News
Richmond News
Surrey Now
Vancouver Courier
Langley Advance
Vancouver Island Newspaper Group Inc.
Alberni Valley Pennyworth
Alberni Valley Times
Campbell River Courier Islander
Comox Valley Echo
Cowichan Valley Citizen
Harbour City Star
Nanaimo Daily News
Oceanside Star
Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly
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The Skulski stench still lingers…
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The only thing we (BC’ers) can hope for is an election whereby princess gets the boot. As an added coup de gras, a leader will come forward and get to the bottom of many issues. But, being cynical as I am about any change coming in Government, media, or even the “cough” RCMP I’m resolved in the notion that our province will continue to be referred to as a “banana republic”.
So here’s a resounding applause to the three mentioned above for doing such an exemplary job of working for US.
Cheers.
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That’s a bit of news I hadn’t noticed before -
The 3 principals of Pilothouse were Kieran, Bornmann and Jamie Elmhirst! They continued to lobby the BC Govt well after the raids and after Bornmann had turned tattletale to the RCMP!
Elmhirst is one of those people who are tangled throughout – he was the president of the Liberal Party of Canada’s BC Branch and resigned that position only after he was called to testify re: BC Rail. Elmhirst was an aide to Gordo, was lobbyist to many, including New Car Dealers Assn (great supporters of HST and huge donors to BC Liberals) and continued in the “family” working on Christy Clark’s recent election campaign. I know I don’t have to tell you any of this Alex:)
So – are we seeing from this application a conspiracy of government, RCMP and the Special Prosecutor?
The lobbyists who did the bribing were given deals, the ministers who offered the prizes left in glory, the constables were related to the people they were investigated!!! Not enough exclamation points to express this:)
How could SP Berardino be independent? He worked at the law firm with Attorney General Plant and Deputy AG Seckel who appointed him!
The $6mil wasn’t paid to lawyers because Basi Virk Basi were guilty, it was paid because the investigation and prosecution was guilty!
Justice Dohm saw the documents – when Justice Bennett was promoted, Berardino argued that Dohm had the power to remove her so that Justice MacKenzie could take over ~ even the judges were in on it?!
How can anyone look at this and NOT see the corruption?
Alex – I have a better understanding now of what you’ve been going through the past months. Your head must be spinning ~ I know mine is:)
One question – were any of the requested documents ever disclosed to the defence?
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No, not all.
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Geezus ….tf….nice post.
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Alex, did you mean ..”no, not all” or “no not at all”
your answer would suggest “some” ?
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These documents, in and of themselves, paint a clear picture of the rot that has permeated this fiasco from the outset. They leave no doubt as to what the scope of any inquiry would require to satisfy the fundamental precepts of justice. Unfortunately, the dots will never be completely connected because the government e-mail servers were purged for a very significent period during this charade. It’s still not clear to me who was advising Campbell on the finer points of law at the early stage when he believed ( still does I suppose ) that this was just another annoyance which could be spun into oblivion and let’s carry on. I’m left wondering Alex, having seen these documents months ago, and being constrained by legalities from as much as a whisper , who would you particularly favor to be the first in handcuffs ? I’ll most certainly understand if you choose to not say. In any event, you’ve single handidly presented the people of B.C. the greatest hope of a return to democracy. For that, I salute you sir.
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And I, you Sir.
It’s not easy. I’m thinking a ‘Gone Fishin” for a couple of weeks might be inorder but I’m an addict to my own gig!
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Gone fishin’. My uncle used to practice what he called ‘ Hillbilly fishing ‘ You lie back in the boat, remove your shoe and tie the fishing line to your toe. Crack open a jug of your preferred and enjoy. Wait for your toes to wiggle. He never caught many fish but he always came home happy. Do it pal, Lord knows you deserve it.
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There must be a twelve step program for such an addiction, but at the risk of sounding selfish and crass, I hope it’s not in your plans to sign on until justice is done.
Slainte mhath in the meantime
Thanks for doin’ the work of at least 10 established, albeit pusillanimous hacks.
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Many thx.
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Thank you Alex !! If there was any doubt left in my mind that we live in a banana republic, ruled by despots, it has been erased. Keep up the great work and maybe, thanks to you, someday we will have honest and open government here.
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You have already landed some pretty big fish!
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From the defeat of Muroney in 93 the die was cast on this file from insiders way higher up the food chain than Gordon Campbell et al.
North American transportation (and energy) policy was a key commponent of the NAFTA deal. As clerk of the PCO Paul Tellier was “privy” to all of that deal’s political/economic/trade nuances. He went on to become head of CN, privatised it and as the flea owns the dog went on to purchase (Illinois Southern?) Once that snowball was started down the hill, there was no doubt where it was going to wind up. The surprise victory of Mr. Harper in Jan 06 threw a monkey wrench into the “file management” plans of “the cabal”. Mr Martin’s parting gift to Mr. Haper was his former DM at finance Kevin Lynch…who had been busy at theIMF until he was catapaulted into the big chair at PCO.
Does anyone else think Mr. Campell’s resignation right after the Basi/Virk deal was only related to the “caucus revolt”? As to his recent posting, often spectacular failure leads to promotion in politics…if you know where enough “bodies” are buried. This strikes me as a classic “accomodation” a la Oscar Wilde?
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Tellier and Mulroney never liked one another, let me assure you.
And while I agree with your assessment of the NAFTA transportation component (that didn’t news to be defined as it was by the Liberals) the issue here is that David McLean’s friendship with Gordon Campbell is what landed him CN. McLean’s previous involvement with CN was as a result of yet another patronage appointment thanks to his other Liberal pal Jean Chretien.
Gordon Campbell and Jean Chretien made David McLean insanely wealthy. He made in fifteen years what it took a little immigrant fellow I know all too well about 50 years to amass through honesty, sweat and dedication–and without a stitch of patronage.
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I’m sucked in of course:)
Peter’s comment reminds me of information from your post of July 17’11 -
http://alexgtsakumis.com/2011/07/17/exclusive-what-if-christy-clarks-political-career-was-something-more-than-blind-ambition-but-made-in-a-test-tube-by-greater-powers/
I quote -
“Prior to 1996, …Christy Clark … was a political assistant to Doug Young… a Liberal government transportation minister…in Ottawa.
She learned much from him and the federal Liberal elites who marveled at the package Ms. Clark was putting together: …Ms. Clark attended every cocktail party and shook every hand. She was front and center.
Then, the narrative starts to take shape and the story turns a tad ugly.
Ms. Clark was tasked by Mr. Young with the direct responsibility and input on ‘the privatization file.’ What privatization file, you ask?
Well, the one Mr. Young oversaw; the one that facilitated the privatization of a company of which you may have heard.
CN Rail.
Far from Ms. Clark being on the opposite side of the Liberal Party of Canada than CN boss David McLean (he was a staunch, hardcore Chretienite; Ms. Clark, a blind, star-crossed Martinite), they became very well acquainted. She would be part of the team that spelled out the parameters for the privatization of CN Rail, a move which saw Mr. McLean become incredibly wealthy and very influential, far more than ever before. [Clark knew what to do with BC Rail because she's done this before -tf]
It may also have very well laid the groundwork for future considerations, like the recent jets Mr. Mc Lean provided to Ms. Clark during her run for BC Liberal leader–a gift that her henchmen hid from the public in their initial disclosure of donors (the excuse was that they only disclosed cash donations at that point).”
Were the jets a reward?
I think it was vital to the private interests of Patrick Kinsella, Jamie Elmhirst, David McLean et al that the trial of Basi Virk Basi be stopped and that Christy be elected leader of the BC Liberals, thus Campbell’s timely resignation. No other candidate would have such a strong motivation to keep the story quiet ~
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Certainly there must have been documents filed by the SP & RCMP in rebuttal or opposition to the application by the Defence. Have you seen them, and if so what do they say? If not, then what impediments do you face in obtaining them or publishing them?
What orders did the Court make with respect to this application? Have you seen them, and if so what do they say? If not, then what impediments do you face in obtaining them or publishing them?
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Firstly, I do not have any BC Rail documents in my possession. Not at my home, office, studio or on my computer. When I do one of these posts I must travel several hours, through partially difficult terrain, to reach my source, where I download the documents on the spot into the body of the post. If my source has the documents you request my source would have provided access to those.
Secondly, the information you inquire about is all contained in court transcripts which I understand are as easy to obtain as the keys to Fort Knox.
Finally, the “response” from Madam Justice Bennett was to implore the SP to disclose all documents except those “reasonably withheld.”
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Alex, your answer must be included among the reasons for a full public inqiury into all aspects of this sordid affair. I join you in that call.
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Smart guy.
Have you ever thought about crossing the border to do your posts at all? The reason I say this is because of a divorce case I got caught up in, doing some snooping. I got some good dirt but couldn’t be subpoenaed because I was out of the country.
Just a random thought from my ADHD riddled brain.
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Much appreciated, but I won’t need to.
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Well, if you ever feel the need, I know quite a few Americans who can publish you on an American IP address.
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Very kind, but no need. Thanks.
I’m not publishing any more potentially objectionable material.
In fact, I’m leaving the blogosphere to spend the next two years rescuing baby Llamas from avaricious sweater manufacturers.
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Uh huh. And I’m leaving the automotive industry to pursue my lifelong dream….. flower arranging.
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Like others, Alex, I applaud your crusade to bring us to democratic santiy. As ugly and reprehensible have been recent riots, or as frightful as stock market gyrations, they have provided really useful cover for the press to hide the stench of public and private corruption. Without folks like you, we would hardly learn of the real issues behind the money laundering of the world’s banks, the complete abuse of governmental power, and the MSM’s role in either minimizing such or covering it up, or creating creating diversions, in short, getting the public all riled up over the wrong things. Through dollops of Bread and Circuses (Family First and riot trials), Christy, the Sun and Province, Global, CTV and CBC Vancouver can hope the sun keeps rising in their world. With the information you are providing, Alex, many of us hope a new day will soon dawn.
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This whole think stinks in soooo many ways.
From the politicians to the police to the “special” (euphamism for retarded ?) prosecutor.
Where do we start with this donkey show?
1.The investigating RCMP officer who was a brother-in law of a major Liberal fund raiser that EVENTUALLY disclosed the relationship to his superiors(before or after the leaks to the liberals started?)
2. Warrants wrongly addressed.(toss THAT evidence!)
3. Warrants obtained by duplicitous means(toss THAT evidence !)
4. Allegations from Crown Counsel and the RCMP with NO evidence.
5. Refusal of the Crown and RCMP to provide evidence upon request.
6. The RCMP “massaging” of the media after the Christmas raid in the Legislature to seem as if it was Organized Crime( remember the “Grow Op rumours?).
7. Minister Gary Collins “investigation” suddenly stopped after the massive surveillance operation bears fruit.
Once again Alex, I love the evidence you have exposed for all to see. The level of duplicity in the Liberal house is unbelieveable.
Possibly only surpassed by the level of incompetance displayed by the Special Prosecutor and the RCMP.
Is it any wonder the Crown ‘washed its hands” and took the easy route with a Basi Virk guilty verdict? An absolute Mess from top to bottom. They would have walked if it went to trial.
Unfortunately, even if we went “Out of Province” ie Ontario to find Crown Council and or Police that were totally unbiased and unconnected in any way to this interconnected spider web of deceit .
At this late date?
Too much time has passed, Statute of limitations?
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On some matters, yes.
But a full public inquiry would provide disinfectant to a govt badly in need of same.
And it would FOREVER expose those who got away with such an obviously slanted process to further enrich friends of the former and current premiers.
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…….and public officials shake their heads and wonder at the steadily eroding voter base….
They only need look in the mirror.
I remember Alan Fotheringham once doing an opinion piece in a magazine(MacLeans ?) back in the late 70′s early 80′s.
” A disturbing new trend has emerged. A breed of particularly smart, avaricious lawyers that are becoming involved in politics to beef up their resumes for later life as private sector consultants. Unlike former leaders they care nothing for the voters that elected them….”
Perhaps a law that targets political corruption and hands out hefty, punative fines and or jail time?
Or we merely contact the US State dept. and inform them that an American company lost a Billion dollar bid due to illegal bribes and corruption……
I believe Seimans just paid a $500 million dollar fine for the exact same thing in Europe to the US Dept of Justice.
God I would love to see some of these people rotting in a US prison…
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Perhaps you could send copies of the evidence to the US State dept? I’m sure someone there might be interested………
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CKNW spend most of there day justifying the screwups of the BC liberals if you critize any thing they do you will not get on the air. I was listenig to sean leslia the other day and caller ask why he never had you Alex on his show his excuse was you insulted some very good friends of his guess who they were. I think you are fighting a up hill battle there is lots of money trying to cover up this story.
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I think you’re wrong.
The friends Sean is referring to are Carly Nicol, who censored me at CKNW and Rebecca Scott, whose husband is in a total conflict of interest as CBC Vancouver’s Victoria Bureau Chief.
I exposed both of them for what they are. Sean clearly has a problem with this and no problem working for a station that shows favoritism to the BC Liberals. Good for him.
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i get that the BASI GOVT LINE was also the Ministers line, but so what? The police were wanting to intercept drug calls from Bains. They had no clue about the briding business Basi was involved in.
So what if the polrice didnt tell the new judge the line was in the parliament buildings? They gave the address. I am glad the application succeeded. Where would we be had it not? BAsi would have profited and lord knows, be an MP in Ottawa!! A crooked Politician!!!
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No, they were not. They were wanting to tape calls Mr. Basi was making to govt officials and consultants. Mr. Basi rarely made calls to Mr. Bains on the govt line, if at all. That’s in the evidence which I’m guessing you also glossed over.
When a judge argues in favour of parliamentary privilege, it should be respected. Or the RCMP should explain themselves.
Your outlandish claims are not surprising considering the other similar comments you’ve made on this stream. Basi was not planning on running for anything and was interested in making money behind the scenes.
Please, if you cannot comment according to the rules, I will ban you from this blog. You are making defamatory comments which I do not appreciate you doing here.
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also, I want to encourage Alex and others like him to keep the pressure on. there are no doubt more insects under this log. Basi was an easy one to spot (Shawnigan Gro-op, Bribes, Corruption, Basi-Boys election sign up irregularities, cocaine cousin phone calls, prostitutes, – need i say more?). But look at the others scurry under the light!!
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Sir, you are making it difficult to approve your, largely inaccurate, comments.
1) Dave Basi was cleared of any connection to grow-ops, other than being the landlord. I’ve been the landlord of someone who had a grow-op and when I tried to angle my way into my own home and he started a fist-fight with me, which he promptly and resoundingly lost, he charged me with assault. Don’t even start with me….
2) Can you point to a “cocaine phone call” please?
3) The call about a girl “putting out” was to a business consultant whom is unrelated to the trial and the girl in question was in fact, NOT a prostitute. After the erroneous CTV story, I spoke to both the girl and the man Basi was speaking to. Neither are criminals.
You need to go and read my commenting rules otherwise I will not approve comments such as the one you’ve made above–but I did as it being illustrative of the damage CTV’s concocted story has done to the general truth of this matter. For shame.
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point 3) How did you manage to find, then talk to the girl in question? And then the man Basi was talking to? Who was ‘putting out”, and who was pimping out-Basi?
Can you please clear this up.
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You want me to give up a source? Sorry, I won’t ever do that. She came to me through a mutual acquaintance, she has a real job and lives an otherwise sedate life, let’s just leave it at that. She’s not a prostitute.
The man Basi was talking to? It’s simple, unlike CTV, I actually read ALL the documents they had and not only arrived at the name of the individual but also the call was completely unrelated to the trial or sale of BC Rail.
Pimping out Basi? Madam, what are you talking about?
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One of the main RCMP investigators bought a house in 1999 from Sukhbir Basi–Dave Basi’z mother. For the purpose of consummating that transaction, Dave Basi himself conducted the entire sale on behalf of his mother. Was that RCMP officer in a conflict of interest? You be the judge.
- The RCMP guy must have been dropped on his head as an infant having done that. Unreal. But why couldnt Sukhbir consumate the transaction herself? Why would she allow her convicted son to have a hand in a deal like that? Why would Basi avail himself? THat really and truley makes no sense either.
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Forgive me, Sire, but you sound extremely confused.
1) Dave Basi at the time of the sale to Cpl. Cowan hadn’t been charged with so much as spitting on the sidewalk, never mind taking a bribe or breach of trust. This was several years before he was charged with anything.
2) My understanding from people familiar with the Basis is that Mrs. Basi is frail and not easily conversant in the English language.
3) Why wouldn’t an immigrant parent ask for help from her more than able son?
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How was there “criminal wrongdoing” only on the part of Basi and Virk if they were following orders?
-Sorry Alex, but no where have I head that Campbell, Collins, or anyone tell Basi or Virk or Basi that it was okay to accept inducements for the info.
Alex, I am beginning to lose respect for you when you state such nonsense as to lead the naive and others who arnt as up on this or who just dont know any better.
What is going on here? Alex … ?
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My point was that if they were guilty then so were their masters.
You haven’t heard that Campbell or Collins were ordering Basi and Virk around? Then you don’t know this case, haven’t seen the trial evidence from the beginning (even in the papers) and didn’t watch a single one of the hundreds of news clips with their lawyers saying the same thing.
What is going on here is that you can’t take one of my statements completely out of context and then seek to apply it to what you have misperceived as my general thesis.
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Hard to know where to begin on this one, Alex, so I’ll just touch on some major points.
1. You’ve brought out the strongest evidence yet that this came right from the top and demands both a Public Inquiry and a new criminal investigation as bid-rigging and corrupting public officials are both crimes. It also calls for answers as to why the investigation did not go beyond Basi & Virk when the information the police had clearly indicated that it should.
2. The fact that the RCMP have never come out and denied the deception involved in obtaining the wireptaps indicates that the information you’ve brought out is likely true. I can understand the frustration of the investigators over this Parliamentary privilege issue. To me it’s an outdated practice that serves as a shield to corrupt politicians. That said, if it’s the law we have to obey it. I was constantly frustrated by some of the rules we had to follow but I couldn’t imagine risking my job, pension, and freedom in order to charge some criminal who’s probably only not going to get 1/10th of what he deserves even if I convict him. People get the sort of society they deserve and if they elect politicians who pass laws that prevent me from doing my job, so what? I still got paid every 2 weeks. I and the guys I worked with always did the best we could but that’s one line that we wouldn’t cross. If there is another side to this I really wish the RCMP would come out with it.
3. On the relationship between the lead investigator and Reichert, I find it incredible that he wasn’t removed from the investigation completely for his own good and to maintain the integrity of the case. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near a case like that because if something leaks (and it always does in a case that big & it’s usually an innocent mistake) I’m going to be the first one suspected.
4. The wrong address on Virk’s office was just a mistake and going back to the judge to correct it was exactly what I’d have done. Some lawyers tend to give advice that goes way beyond what the law requires & the fact that they went back to the judge demonstrates good faith.
Equally disgraceful is the complicity of the MSM in the cover-up. Worse yet, their conduct is not just incompetent or merely neglectful, but wilful. Where they have failed us, you have succeeeded and everyone who values freedom is in your debt.
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1) Complete agreement.
2) We’re agreed again. I really wish the RCMP would come out with it as well, instead of threatening me with absurd charges that they no will never stick, only because some dimwit in the Office of the Special Prosecutor continues to believe this isn;t one big, nasty cover-up. The laws exist to protect people, not usurp their rights. What law should stop me from publishing documents that belong TO THE PEOPLE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA? For shame.
3) This one really gets me. I showed a document that clearly outlined Kelly Reichert offering Dave Basi a bribe. Kevin deBruykere, who is a super nice man, and I have met a few times. One time, on a BC Ferry, while I was investigating this matter, I asked why Reichert wasn’t charged. He said that he couldn’t ever remember such an instance during the investigation, even though the transcript I published showed exactly that.
4) But they went back to a different judge, and ignored the advice of a Special Prosecutor of the day. Why? He was specific: Rescind this warrant, and get a new one. Instead, Cpl. Cowan called Mr. Justice Dohm and received a verbal okay. That might be lawful in and of itself, but it just doesn’t pass the smell test to me that they would ignore the SP’s orders. Why? Maybe there is a perfectly simply explanation, but I’d like to hear it.
Well, the final point you make is most distressing (and devastatingly accurate). As I’m typing this I’m listening to Sean Leslie via internet (as that’s all that’s available up here) interview Spencer Herbert about tenant’s rights.
What about BCers rights? That was a one billion dollar play that made several prominent men even more deliriously wealthy, while dozens of BC families lost their livelihoods along the track.
And that was OUR six million dollars that went to Messers Basi and Virk for their legal fees.
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Regarding #4, I’ve re-read the paragraphs (56 – 58 I think) and it appears that it was the same judge (Dohm) who issued the Search Warrants that they went back to so there was no ‘judge shopping’ which distinguishes this from what happened with the DNR & wiretap applications, which was really problematic.
As to the explanation, I think it was nothing more than the investigators realizing they didn’t need to waste hours or days obtaining a new warrant when it was a simple mistake (ie- none of the grounds had changed, they just got the wrong office #) that could be corrected with a phone call. Also, for the information of your readers, Prosecutors don’t give orders to the police, they give advice which in this case, the they wisely ignored. I’ve been in the same situation myself and done the same thing. Some lawyers just lack common sense and enjoy picking fly-shit out of pepper.
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You will be interested to learn that in my case, contempt charges are being driven by the OSP.
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Interested, yes. Surprised, no. “Independent” Special Prosecutor indeed.
Relax my friend. The lack of independence will likely work in your favor. No way will Christy Clark want this going to court as the disclosure provisions of the Stinchcombe Case will accomplish what the MSM hasn’t even attempted to.
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Funny you should mention that…
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Bob said, “Equally disgraceful is the complicity of the MSM in the cover-up. Worse yet, their conduct is not just incompetent or merely neglectful, but wilful. Where they have failed us, you have succeeeded and everyone who values freedom is in your debt.”
This may be the most important issue in the long term. Without change, will journalists examine any major issue in the future or will they merely focus on banal and trivial issues?
BC Rail is, unfortunately, only one of the issues where the msm has failed. There is the reality of $27 billion added in a single year ended Mar 31,2011 to BC Hydro’s future energy purchase commitments. That huge sum is not even mentioned by Postmedia pundits. That sounds like it is an exaggeration but the numbers come from the audited statements of BC Hydro.
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Yes, thank you Norm, I noticed the same thing. I’ll be writing about it this week.
In detail…
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1. Why is it that people either can’t or won’t read? You spend so much time going over plowed ground for these illiterates, it’s amazing you have not run out of patience with them.
2. While it is possible that no one “heard” Campbell/Collins/Clark, etc. TELL Basi/Virk to explicitly do this or that, legally the employer is responsible for the actions of their employee. And Basi and Virk were essentially employees. They did what they did because they were directed to do so.
3. Admire your drive, ambition and dedication to inform us all. But do take care of yourself. We want you healthy, rested, and informative!
4. The detractors who plague this blog because they are incapable of connecting the dots you have amply provided? A pox on them!
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I know, this is exhausting. Others write a serious column and then go off on some tangent about crisp, low-hanging apples in late summer and fresh cut grass….LOL!
Anyway, I’m in much better shape after the weight loss and continued exercise program and I’m sticking to my regimen quite nicely, so I’m releasing the stress–somewhat. So far, so great. Sleeping better too. But it’s trying times, believe me. Tough to take having to read such horse manure and then reading or listening to the MSM is just too depressing for words. For shame. They’ve dropped the ball on this Premier and her govt.
But if I don’t do this, no one else will. It’s me, Smyth on the fly and whatever Mason can get past his editor.
Thanks for the concern. It means a great deal. Just trying to decompress today.
Because this will be a big week.
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There’s more????? Time to go to the store again.
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You may want to be pouring triples this time, Inspector.
Assuming, of course, that no self-respecting Martini aficionado would shake anything less than a double.
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Precisely!!!! (as Webster used to say) Anything less would be a waste of time & energy.
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You bet.
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Hey Mol……F$&@ (edited) Off.
TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..Many Questions.
Show some respect here. (Editor: He did)
YOU ARE THE.PLAGUE. (No, he’s not, I actually quite agree with him).
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Russ:
I like having you here, but as with some other commenters who are getting a little too emotional, if you do this again, you can forget commenting here. I’m sorry but I have new rules that I’m sticking to.
Telling someone to fuck off is not your place. I’ve never done it, and it’s MY blog (although I’ve come very, very close a few times with a few jerks that occasionally spike here). You need to stick to the rules or I’ll ban you–period.
Please understand this. With respect…
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Hello Alex
This is great stuff. I have not bought a newspaper since I found your blog.
Can the people of B.C. take these crooks to court for stealing our railway?
I would put money towards a court case if it could be done.
Keep up the good work.
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Such a process would require significant legal wrangling. It would be interesting that’s for certain.
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I’d like to see them all take the fall for this, including ol’ Gordo from London, and yes, even La-La-Lara, because you know she knows almost every sordid detail.
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Alex thank you, thank you, thank you. Finally the light on this page in BC history is becoming bright and clear. This government from the outset had it’s sights set on selling everything owned by the people of BC. We now own a house with nothing inside. How we will ever get it back, I don’t know. I hope there is a leader out there that will grab the bull by the horns and take it on. If laws can create impedements to the truth then those same laws can be recinded or changed. If laws can be created to help only some those same laws can be recinded and changed. I hope the next government will do just that.
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You’re welcome, you’re welcome, you’re welcome…
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Thanks for bringing us an unofficial enquiry into this whole BC Rail theft/sale.
If the mainstream media ignores it, then all those involved can hope that it goes away quietly without any fanfare. Keeping joe public in the dark is a very well used tactic and does have a lot of success.
Now that it is in the blogodome in all its’ stench and glory, how to take it to the next level?
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You’re most welcome.
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This government has cost us at least six billion dollars and counting: 1.9 billion “inherited” surplus from the NDP, one billion from BC Rail sale, not clear how much from the BC Ferries manipulation, plus 1.3 billion of the current deficit, plus, if they lose the HST referendum which I feel they’ve lost, close to 1.7 billion payback to the Fed and businesses. That’s a precipitous waste of money. As for Christy Clark, she remains the new Rita Johnston with the difference that Rita has been a highly successful businesswoman although both didn’t go beyond a high school education save one or two semester stints for Christy at three universities.
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Yes, resume padding is important when you are an uneducated, ill-tempered, uncouth harridan who will say anything or do anything to succeed.
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Check this out:
http://billtieleman.blogspot.com/2011/08/exclusive-bc-legislature-raid-briber.html
I’m glad to see that at least one member of the panel voted against this. I take pride in the fact that Bornman would never work as a policeman.
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Yes, I saw it this morning. Bill sent me a courtesy copy.
I will be posting something tonight, rest assured.
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