Blair Wilson, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky, has resigned from the Liberal caucus following allegations of improper campaign spending.
The allegations are that Wilson paid for election-campaign expenses in cash and did not report all his spending, as required by the Elections Act. Reports say the allegations were made in a citizen’s complaint to Elections Canada.
The Commissioner of Elections, William Corbett, is launching an investigation, something Wilson said he welcomes.
"I will collaborate fully with
Elections Canada, and do whatever I can to help expedite its investigation into
the allegations," Wilson said in a release issued Sunday.
“I am confident that the allegations
against me will be found to be baseless.
However, I have decided to resign to ensure that there are no negative
implications for the Liberal Party at this time.”
Wilson, who was also National Revenue
critic for the Liberals, was elected in January of 2006 in a tight fight with
Conservative John Weston. Wilson won the riding, which had been a Conservative
stronghold for years, by 966 votes.
Liberal leader Stéphane Dion issued a
statement Sunday.
“I learned of the allegations of improper campaign spending
against West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast MP Blair Wilson today,” the statement
read.
“They are serious allegations, which raise questions that Mr.
Wilson must address without delay.
“As such, I have accepted Mr. Wilson's resignation from his
position as National Revenue critic, and as a member of our national caucus,
effective immediately.
“I am particularly concerned about allegations of Elections Act
violations by Mr. Wilson's campaign.
“I am pleased that Mr. Wilson has called on Elections Canada to
launch a formal review of the matter. I trust Elections Canada will deal with
this matter expeditiously.”
The allegations came to light in a story in Sunday’s Province
newspaper.
