Burnaby's Brian Bonney was named multiple times in a review into the ethnic vote scandal plaguing the Liberals as the provincial election looms.
Premier Christy Clark asked for the review, following the release of a leaked document that outlined a Liberal strategy to target ethnic voters, a plan that involved the misuse of government resources, according to a report released in Victoria on Thursday.
Deputy minister John Dyble lead the review team, which interviewed those involved and reviewed IT records. Dyble's report found activities took place that involved both partisan elements and government activities.
"It is the conclusion of the review team that there were violations of the public service standards of conduct. There were also differences in the level of participation and culpability of the participants in these actions. This ranged from passive participation to active leadership and execution of clearly inappropriate actions," the report states. "Brian Bonney used the opportunity to take actions that violate public service standards of conduct and financial and procurement policy. Brian Bonney did not create a clear distinction between his volunteer role with the B.C. Liberal Party and his role in the public service. His actions result in a serious breach of the standards of conduct."
The report also states, "it is clear that at least a portion of Brian Bonney's salary was paid for time when he was doing partisan work."
The leaked ethnic strategy email, dated January 2012, was sent by Clark's then deputy chief of staff Kim Haakstad to a number of government staffers, including Bonney, who was handling communications for the ministry of multiculturalism at the time.
Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy, who recently told the NOW he had no knowledge of the report, also told the review team he didn't know about it and until it was in the news. Bloy was minister of state for multiculturalism till March 2012, when John Yap took over.
The original leaked email suggested setting up an "ethnic database." While the review found no evidence of such a database, lists were generated for events and to record attendance.
"The IT security review shows lists (generally containing names, titles, addresses, email and phone numbers) being shared from the government email accounts to the personal accounts of Brian Bonney and Fiera Lo. IT security records show that Brian Bonney forwarded over 1,100 emails from his government account to one of three personal email accounts during the time he was employed in the public service. While these facts and analysis create an impression, both Brian Bonney and Fiera Lo were adamant in their interviews that information was not shared inappropriately. However, given the volume of personal emails involved it is evident government resources were misused," the report states.
The NOW contacted Bonney for an interview, but he wasn't available before press deadlines. Bonney announced his resignation from the multiculturalism ministry in January.
To read Dyble's full report, go to Jennifer Moreau's blog at www.burnabynow.com.
