If the RCMP will not say who is looking into allegations against the Nanaimo mayor, it should explain why it is taking that position, says the local MLA.
“If you won’t say who, then you should at least say why. I think that is a reasonable expectation of the public,” the B.C. NDP’s Leonard Krog said Friday.
The RCMP said last week that individuals outside the Nanaimo RCMP will be used to look into a complaint from Nanaimo city hall regarding the mayor.
A thorough examination will be carried out, a Vancouver Island RCMP officer said.
“Measures will also be taken to ensure a level of independence as individuals outside of the Nanaimo RCMP will be engaged in this review.”
Police are not identifying which body is examining this matter.
Allegations against Mayor Bill McKay were sent last week to Nanaimo RCMP. A statement on City of Nanaimo letterhead said council members’ concerns included financial disclosure, business dealings and trade missions.
McKay rejects the complaints, saying concerns are based on speculation, innuendo and misstatements of fact.
Krog said it is not surprising and it is appropriate that Nanaimo RCMP are not handling the matter. The RCMP are contractors providing police services to the city.
“There may be an advantage to the integrity of the investigation that it not be announced who is doing it,” Krog said.
But he believes that the reason for not disclosing who is doing it should be released.
An official with B.C’s communications office said that because the matter was referred to the RCMP, the province is unable to comment. The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development oversees municipalities.
“There is no role for the minister, ministry staff or the inspector of municipalities in this matter,” the official said.
