CKNW’s BC Rail/Basi-Virk Documentary Tonight, August 7th., 2012 @ 7pm PRECISELY!!!

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Join me and tens of thousands across the province and the CORUS Entertainment Network tonight at 7pm sharp.

CKNW 980AM is releasing the BCRail/Basi-Virk documentary presented by NW’s top notch investigative reporter Bob Mackin.

Featured interviews:

Bill Tieleman

John vanDongen

David Basi

Alexandra Wrage

Alex G. Tsakumis

Don’t miss it!!!

Huge kudos to CKNW for such journalistic integrity and professional courage. And much appreciation to all those at NW who promoted this all day, but particularly Bill Good, for being so incredibly balanced and generous this morning on his program, when promoting the documentary with Bob Mackin in studio.

And let’s have a thorough discussion in the comments on this one, shall we?

Comments accepted; criticisms, most welcome.

UPDATED:

Below is the CKNW link to the documentary, for those of you who missed it due to work or other commitments.

Once you click the link below, click again on Episode #4.

Enjoy it HERE!

 

Comments

102 Responses to “CKNW’s BC Rail/Basi-Virk Documentary Tonight, August 7th., 2012 @ 7pm PRECISELY!!!”
  1. Barry Book says:

    Olympic coverage.
    Ins’t that just precious.

  2. r says:

    someone better record it .I think there is a Olympic audio vault blackout so it may never be audio archived.

    • AGT says:

      I’m getting a link.

      • PRE says:

        Thanks for going after a link to the show Alex as I missed the first part. I did manage to catch your portion, which was very well done (as I knew it would be) but I’d love to listen to the first half of the show.

        I so wish that we get an thorough, open and honest airing of the entire fetid BCR affair…if fetid is not too strong a word to use.

        My sense is that were it to happen, we may see a groundswell effort to change how we’re governed in this province…a change that would be very much for the betterment of us all, no matter your politcal leanings, unless perhaps you’re leaning to governance by backroom and secrecy.

        I am so looking forward to your next posts…

        All the best!

  3. Bud says:

    B&E-ing and threatening journalists ? It’s like ’94 Russia around here with this Gang,er,I mean Government

  4. Leah says:

    Bravo to Mr. Makin and all his interviewees.

    I love it: a rare thunder and lightening storm exactly during the broadcast. Shazam.

  5. HB says:

    Tsakumis and lightning. Brilliant evening!

  6. whiterockj says:

    HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

    we would be happy to testify at a public inquiry….

    BYE BYE CHRISTY!!!

  7. Mosko says:

    I’ll be VERY interested in what gets discussed tomorrow on NW.

    • AGT says:

      Tune in! The BC Liberal assassins will be out in full force. Of course, you can also expect the behind the scenes pressure from the usual suspects.

      Remarkable, I didn’t expect it to turn out that good. They should put it up for a Webster.

      But isn’t it sad: NOT ONE, of the MSM “top JOURNALISTS” were interviewed and NOT ONE provided fair comment. How do they look to all of you now? Other than Mason and Smyth, who’ve done yeoman’s service to the people of this province on this file, where are all the rest of the Victoria Press Gallery, including Fletcher, Palmer, Baldrey, smart??? Where are they?

      And with all the thunder, let me drop a bomb…

      Here’s your teaser: Which very high profile journalist was listed as “a person of interest” in the four binder release to the media and John vanDongen?

      You’ll have to wait for that one…but it will demonstrate why he continues to sound like a shameless apologist for his old pal Christy Clark–AND (!!!) why he wants the whole thing to go away. His involvement was innocent–on the face of it, but he spent so much time with Basi and Virk and his comments on wiretap were so, um, revealing, the RCMP listed him as “a person of interest” on a bloody TIP file!!!

      I saw it AGAIN this weekend when I was away going over some more Basi-Virk documents. I chose not to report it before, and I’ll still sit on it. No sense to further embarrass the embarrassing.

      Chew on that or awhile…I told you this thing would eventually explode. You think tonight was a detonation?

      Just wait…it’s almost time…

  8. eldon says:

    Hi Alex, I’m new to the blog, but I love reading it. Thanks for calling all sides on their BS. One small criticism is that the name-calling doesn’t add anything to your arguments. Keep up the great work! I loved the documentary.

    • AGT says:

      Point taken.

      But when Warren Kinsella refers to Christy’s pipeline preposterousness and “absolutely stupid” is that name calling? When Rex Murphy refers to Pamela Anderson as a “dimwit” is this name calling?

      When Christopher Hitchens referred to Mother Teresa as “a phony and a fraud,” or “a thieving Albanian dwarf” it rather warmed my heart.

      The accuracy will continue. Welcome aboard. Delighted to have you along.

      • OK Guy says:

        “a phony and a fraud” = Not name calling
        “preposterousness” = Not name calling
        “absolutely stupid” = Not name calling
        “thieving” = Not name calling
        “dummy” = Not name calling
        “dimwit” = Not name calling

        “Albanian dwarf” = Name calling – that’s got nothing to do with her actions.

        Remember when Chretien’s Bell’s palsy was attacked by the PCs?
        That was out of line too.

        • AGT says:

          I’ll accept that. I wasn’t every comfortable with that, but when it comes packaged in the form of an Oxford drop out who becomes the greatest writer in the English language, funnily enough, you occasionally hold your nose and forgive…

  9. shame is needed says:

    I can’t believe I had to work late. Any link to it would be great
    thanks!

  10. merv says:

    Huge thanks to NW, Bob, Bill, Alex….And Keith..
    Well Keith, I’m still wiping my eyes from laughing.

    Basi and Virk proved nothing? Nor did the prosecution, since the plea deal was conveniently arranged. Basi is right. Regardless of what he did or didn’t do, the court record shows it was the prosecution that delayed the trial. Why?

    • AGT says:

      His comments are TOTALLY embarrassing. How on God’s green orb do Basi and Virk’s statements get tested when the govt shut down the trial? How does he know they lied?

      Was he there? He’s hung himself.

  11. merv says:

    I knew I’d miss something. Thanks to John van Dongen also. Compare his statements and questions to the dismissive non answers from the BCLibs.

  12. eldon says:

    Basi sounds very eager to tell his story. Could the incoming NDP call an inquiry post-election? I know it might seem meaningless then, but I’m dying to hear what he has to say.

    • whiterockj says:

      dix has allready promised an inquiry into BC rail.

      dont recall what the BCCP has said, but considering their only mla is financing an investigation on his own dime….

  13. James1 says:

    Could not listen live today.

    Cannot wait for the link; this sounds like an excellent.

  14. luigi says:

    Three Points:

    1. The Attorney General owes the entire province explanations to all of the pertinent questions in this case.

    2. The inquiry into the BC Rail affair MUST be a Judicial inquiry. (Do you hear Mr Dix?)

    3. Baldface has some ‘splainin to do. (the rest of you MSM who have failed to do your jobs may want to begin now).

    And a fourth point. To you British Columbians who have either been doubters or have been in the dark on this THEFT, it’s time to demand of your MLAs that they step forward and uphold their OATH OF OFFICE.

  15. Dave-O says:

    Come on man…I check into your blog Daily and the one day I spend on Voltairenet you drop this nugget.

    I missed it completely f a frigging duck.

  16. Matt says:

    Had to work tonite too. Hope we can get to hear it. It’s about time something was done. Up here in PG we can only hear NW online anyways. Thanks Alex.

  17. e.a.f. says:

    after a radio show like that things might get even more interesting in the province. So do we tape the Os & listen to the radio or do we tape the radio & watch the Os. At least we aren’t bored & it is all very enlightening.

  18. Zoot says:

    Hopefully tonight was a big step forward toward an inquiry that will find the truth and hold people to account.

  19. Grace says:

    I am so proud of you and for you in having brought this, finally, into the MSM forum. It’s euphoric and liberating to see CC’s dirty secrets exposed and to have her haughtiness turned to shame! Ooops! my mistake…she doesn’t know the meaning of shame.

  20. Relayer says:

    I couldn’t help but notice during Bill Good’s teaser yesterday that he was STILL trying to minimize it: “But didn’t the RCMP already investigate and find nothing wrong?”, and (my favourite) “But that was 9 years ago!”
    And he mentioned your name Alex, as though it was being dragged from between his teeth.
    Can’t wait for the link.

    • grateful says:

      He can’t help himself can he? When he finally jumps on the bandwagon with both feet though – he’ll make it sound as if he’s broken the ‘story’.
      …I agree with Alex that it was amazingly balanced reportage regarding this Liberal issue – but you are so right on – you could actually feel the constanants TSA-K-U-MISsssss being forced through his palate – it was Awesome!

  21. NotonepercentinPG says:

    Love the Jack quote in the headline.

  22. gb in victoria says:

    http://www.cknw.com/features/the-investigators.aspx

    Link to Bob Mackin Basi-Virk podcast.

  23. donkey hotey says:

    Nice to put everything together for those (whoever that may be) that do not know the whole story or the corruption that went on. I was intrigued by the lady who is a corruption specialist. When she described the kind of corruption that goes on in advanced countries, she described exactly what the government of the day has already been caught doing with the LDB file. By that, I mean the bidders, getting involved in the actual forming of the terms of the contract. They have been caught red-handed and still are one of the final bidders – incredible gall of the Libs.

  24. sd says:

    Did you read Vaugh’s column on the utilities commission?
    Maybe we should be focusing less on an old scandal and more on one currently in the making, in the hopes that there might be time to turn that ship around.

    • AGT says:

      So let them get away with this one after all our work?

      Not this cowboy…

      • sd says:

        It’s not a question of letting them get away with anything. I think that the BC Rail is building up such momentum that it will result in satisfaction, but it won’t ultimately mean much. Some fines might be paid, some people might face criminal charges, but we won’t get BC Rail back.

        In the meantime, we might lose BC Hydro, because it is deliberately being steered into the rocks. If something isn’t done soon, within a few years any government would have to make the announcement that BC Hydro was not viable because of past bad financial and accounting decision meant that operations could not support the accumulated debt. The result – it was going to be broken up, and isn’t it lucky that the smart meter network is already in place, so competing electrical companies can bill their own customers?

        • AGT says:

          Oh, I’m well aware of where you’re going with this–and I don’t disagree. However, the BC Rail scandal, with what I’m positive about, having seen enough documents and spoken to enough people that were there, is the single biggest act of corruption in this province’s history. No question about it in my mind. BC Hydro is having its value imputed, precisely like BC Rail when it was clearly on the selling block. I get that. Though, I also understand the complexities in selling off Hydro. It would be significantly more complicated and bigger. Those sorts of transactions take forever and are much more difficult to accomplish. This govt is clearly on its last legs. They are all but finished. They’re done like dinner. I don’t believe that they will survive much longer–and yes, I mean they may come down prior to an election. I could be wrong, but let me tell you, I know what their plan is and it won’t work because well before they seek to dispose of Hydro, they’ll be crushed. I assure you.

          • Chem Teacher says:

            AGT,
            Great work on your part to get CKNW to see the light. Your commitment to this file, along with Tieleman, has been extraordinary. Congrats.
            Also, you have mentioned a few times now that you believe this govt may fall prior to the next scheduled election. Are you hearing about MLAs crossing the floor?

    • Lee says:

      Unless there is accountability for scandals, more will follow. The scope of those who should be held to account on BC Rail is enormous in breadth and includes certain RCMP officers, members of the BC business community, some of the biggest goons in BC media and of course politicians. This can’t be abandoned, especially now, after AGTs tenacity, this might finally be getting a sliver of the attention it has deserved.
      The scandal you mention, sd, should also be exposed but perhaps someone else should do the heavy lifting on it. Someone like, um, I dunno, maybe a reporter who is paid to do that job and owes it to our besieged democracy. Then of course there is the LDB scandal which shares some of the scummy persona that helped sell out BC Rail while the mainstream media were being dined and liquored up on maybe even the same government credit cards now exposed by the auditor.
      These parasites on our Province should not evade accountability. They would like nothing more than to have us look the other way as the parasite completes its life cycle and destroys its host.

      • AGT says:

        Sliver of attention?

        That documentary last night is the single biggest and best event connected to the cleansing necessary. The entire province is talking about it. I usually receive up to 200-300 emails and notes per day.

        Over 500 at last count and climbing! I CAN’T KEEP UP!!!

        It’s huge news.

        • Lee says:

          Yes, it certainly is in motion big time. By sliver of attention it deserves, I mean that it deserves far more. A scandal of such proportions should be front Page headline stuff complete with camera-flash over-exposed photos of Liberal politicians and their minions being frog-marched into a court room.

          Those of us who have been following your Blog for years have seen the plain view evidence of the BC story of the century. The mainstream media have been willfully blind. Some of hem still are.

          • AGT says:

            No question about it. I’m still stunned by Baldrey’s comments. He is blatantly spinning this story as a non-issue. It’s the only conclusion any fair-minded individual can come to. Keith is an intelligent man. If he cannot read the evidence and understand what’s happened, then he’s indeed willfully blind to the reality of the corruption which took place.

            He claims that none of Basi or Virk’s claims were tested in court and therefore, Basi’s notes should be suspect. What do the two have to do with one another? Besides the fact: The legal principle is that the defence claims were not tested, also works the same way for the prosecution, when considering the huge inducement of a six million dollar payoff. Ultimately, neither Basi nor Virk had to pay legal fees and neither of them lost any of their property or money. Baldrey doesn’t understand this, even though he openly admitted on Bill Good’s program that he spent more time with Basi and Virk than any other reporter?

            Shameful. As far as I’m concerned, Keith Baldrey hung himself last night. No point to speak ill of the dead. But I am very disappointed that he went so far out of his way to spin such a yarn and think the public are that stupid to believe any of it. Thank God Jas Johal and Marisa Thomas before JAs came back home, otherwise, Global Victoria Bureau Chief would be busy selling such drivel to the public. And THAT is a crime against journalism.

            • Colin N says:

              The fact that Basi/Virk got house arrest and varied privleges for the duration of their 2 year less a day sentences speaks volumns. Pleading guilt to corruption charges (bilking the people) is a serious matter. To not only get their $6 million legal fees paid (with no claims on any of their property) and not spend a day in gaol indicates a deal was made. A deal to cover up for those higher up the food chain, a the direction of those very people further up the food chain. Keep digging, those further up must be exposed for what they are.

              • tf says:

                That’s one of the things I can’t understand – how Campbell thought we were so stupid to believe it was a clean deal?
                Immediately upon the news of the $6 million plea bargain EVERYONE knew a dirty deal was made. Those who say they didn’t, are in denial.

                Sequence of events -
                - Aug 11’10 – anti-HST petition successful (goes to referendum summer ’11)
                - Oct 18’10 – Basi Virk guilty plea – $6mil legal fees covered by BC Liberal gov’t
                A week later Campbell tries to distract us…
                - Oct 25’10 – shuffles 17 ministerial positions and creates a new one-stop ministry Natural Resource Operations
                - Oct 27’10 – announces 15 % cut in personal income taxes
                - and a week later – Nov 3’10 – Campbell resigns

                How could anyone not know?!

                Two outrageous follow-ups…
                - June ’11 – Harper appoints Campbell as Canada’s High Commissioner to the UK
                - Sept ’11 – Campbell receives Order of BC

                Campbell first won an election for public office in 1984: is the year significant? He continued to win elections for 25 years.

                With this voting record, is it any wonder that the Big Boys treat the voters of BC like we’re still in diapers?!

      • Bob says:

        Lee,

        I don’t think I’ve ever heard it put better. Particularly the first line. Well done.

  25. dodo says:

    You mentioned CKNW had been working on this for weeks.
    I wonder if this is what caused Clark to attack CKNW at the bbq. Pre-emtive assault, as lame and pathetic as it was.

    • AGT says:

      No, she wouldn’t have known about it or certainly the specifics. Bob was very quiet about it while chasing down everyone for interviews. Interestingly, it might have been out sooner but for everyone’s schedules. Jon McComb was away and couldn’t do the voiceovers or narrate until back and Basi was unable to get clearance to speak right away. I also believe, and I may be wrong, vanDongen was unavailable due to a vacation, but it may have been a cold, I can’t remember specifics. I only remember what Bob told me in passing. And I have been in and out of town for some time. It wasn’t an easy time. I thought, at one point, that if it leaked, Christy and Mike Morton would have their goons out in full force, trying to intimidate NW. But in the end, it worked out really well. It was a super professional production. Greg Schott must be a genius: The way the production was assembled was top drawer. Beyond exceptional. First rate work by him, McComb, and particularly Mackin, who did not originally conceive of the BC Rail documentary. That was something NW approached him with when they hired him. And kudos to them for being so fearless and comporting themselves with such integrity.

      • dodo says:

        When something of this magnitude occurs, the gravity of it doesn’t sink in right away.
        CKNW is the radio station that was playing live in the premiers office during Campbell’s reign. They considered it the station that mattered most for radio and of course Global for TV coverage.
        They will tell their minions and sycophants it doesn’t matter, while nashing their teeth in pure rage.

        I wonder if you could eloborate on the “goons” comment.
        Who could have that kind of sway over a media outlet and what leverage could they use to “make an offer they can’t refuse”?

      • gregory says:

        Things are really turning around in the media. What next will VP have you on the Voice of BC? I see Coleman is on next week. Maybe you can tag team with him. Haha.

  26. STEWART says:

    “Basi” Said it all loud and clear…..if we want the truth, it requires an inquiry he’d be happy to participate in….

    It doesnt get any better than that, meaning the guy is ready to spill when he’s cleared to do so, but obviously can’t because of the implications of the gag order….

    Its corruption at its finest….. Great work Alex from day 1, all the naysayers can eat crow!

    • AGT says:

      Thank you.

      Yes, Basi and Virk have both confirmed for me that they can speak–and will happily speak at an inquiry–which they hope will be a judicial inquiry, however, they cannot speak about the indemnity deal. All those questions must go through the Office of the Attorney General.

      Me thinks they’re starting to get pretty pissed off at their former political godmother Madame Christy, who slags them persistently in the media. Remember this: These guys fell just short of wiping her derriere for her. They did ALL her political bidding and took direct orders from her AND her illustrious husband Mark Marissen, who isn’t that bright an organizer but simply put, was in the right place at the right time with Paul Martin and Gordon Campbell etc.

      I’m sensing Basi and Virk will have lots to say soon enough. Certainly before the next election. And that’s why Christy is in an all-out war to discredit them.

  27. froth says:

    You have touched a nerve it is obvious…. Your blog site is over-whemeled with traffic!

  28. reap the wind says:

    Christy and Co. shall suffer the death of a 1000 cuts………in the public eye.

  29. LC says:

    Thanks for the link. It’s so full I’ll have to listen again.

    They used to make movies about heroic investigative journalists bringing down corruption.

    This is the silver bullet….and. … I’m sure the gun is loaded with more.

  30. Ken says:

    I am in Toronto just about to board a plane to Halifax, thanks for the link, I am definitely going to skip the movie on this trip!

  31. luigi says:

    Just listening to Simi with Marcella (i believe it was). It sounds like certain members of the government are running….BUT THEY CAN NOT HIDE.

    The sound of the implosion is going to be deafening. Where are the Liberal supporters now?

  32. Bob Turner says:

    God bless you A.G.T. for your tenacity integrity and your good sence of brotherhood of your fellow BCers and Canadians.

  33. e.a.f. says:

    We know what the government is currently doing with regards to B.C. Hydro & the BCLB but the focus on B.C. Rail needs to continue. It needs to be exposed & all the game players need to account for what went on. Once that is established, the rest becomes easier because the lieberals will have “established a pattern of behaviour”. Even if the people of this province marched in the streets every day, the lieberals will not change their course of action regarding any of their plans. I would suggest too much has been promised & now needs to be delivered to whomever.

    Although some believe we may never get B.C. Rail back, never is very long time & I have faith. If it is proven the sale was illegal or a criminal enterprise, then who knows. Some judge just might give us back our rail way.

  34. persey says:

    Congratulations, Alex

    All British Columbians are in your debt for your persistence in exposing the truth in the BC Rail file.

    Hopefully, a judicial inquiry will occur and all the people who betrayed the public’s trust will be exposed and if appropriate, punished.

    When that happens I also hope that all British Columbians will honour your work with a proper form of recognition.

    Certainly the OBC would have been appropriate had not that award been so badly tarnished by some recent obviously political awards.

    Maybe a brand new award, for unselfish contribution to the betterment of all of BC.

  35. Liam says:

    I look forward to the B.C. truth and reconciliation process. I do believe that some politicians need to serve prison terms or what is left of our democracy will die on the vine.

    We, as the employers of an MLA, must demand accountability from each one of them. We should each tell our MLA to reveal their government credit card accounts for our scrutiny – since they are our employees. If they are stealing our money then they need to pay it back and face prosecution. If they refuse to post their spending records on their web sites then we can draw our own conclusions and plan accordingly.

    As for B.C Rail … keep the bastards feet in the fire Alex. The beatings must continue until morals improve.

  36. Lee says:

    Thanks for the link Alex. I missed it yesterday and it was good listening. I have already restored CKNW to my favourites and will give CKNW back one of the station pre-set buttons in my car.

  37. Liz S says:

    Excellent, excellent, excellent!!! All I can say is “WOW”!

    Kudos to CKNW for producing and airing this episode. But most of all, Alex, a BIG THANK YOU for your persistence and dedication in following the BC Rail story and not letting it go by the wayside.

    Are you a journalist? You damn right you are – you are honest, diligent and thought-provoking. Too bad the MSM (who are paid to write) can’t follow your lead.

  38. froth says:

    excellent documentary by CKNW and Bob Mackin. Kudos to you, and to Tielman, for your hard work in getting this scandal to air and for keeping it on the Radar. It may be 9yrs after the fact but theis mess needs a public airing.

    Wonder why after buying their “Guilty Pleas”, The BCLIBS are not willing to let Basi and Virk speak freely..
    Wonder if the BCLIBS have nothing to hide, why they keep hindering the investigation by the Auditor- General on the Basi payouts??

    Clark Liberals still tightlipped on $6-million payout

    Hint; It is not about Open Government ;-)

  39. Paul says:

    Direct link (MP3 – 18.2 MB)

    The Investigators – Episode 4

    BC Rail Controversy

    Written/Produced by Bob Mackin
    Narration by Jon McComb
    Produced by Greg Schott

    http://emedia.cknw.com/Podcasts/2552/The Investigators – BC Rail – Podcast.mp3

    Click link to listen

    or

    To save:

    Windows – Right-click on link and “Save Target as…”

    Mac – Right or control-click on link and “Download Linked File As …”

  40. Mary Galimberti says:

    I look forward to the inquiry about the sale of BC rail when the NDP win the next provincial election. In particular, I want to hear what Basi & Virk have to say about who is really involved in this scandal. The people of BC have a right to know the entire truth since they paid the
    6 million dollar price tag in legal fees. Your province has the highest child poverty rate in Canada. No wonder kids are poor when money
    is being spent on dusting corruption under the rug.

    Mary C. Galimberti
    Toronto

  41. I look forward to the inquiry about the scandal with B.C. Rail when the
    N.D.P. wins the next election. No wonder kids are going to bed hungry
    more so in B.C. with all the money wasted on cover-ups.

    Mary Galimberti
    Toronto

  42. Ryan Painter says:

    I will watch this tonight when I get home.

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