RCMP ask to meet ex-B.C. Conservative who says he was offered job to quit as MLA

British Columbia legislator Ian Paton has informed the RCMP that they plan to interview him on Wednesday. Paton anticipates the police will inquire about an offer allegedly made to him to resign from his position as a legislator so that Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay could assume his role. Paton, who recently departed the Conservative caucus, disclosed that Findlay’s chief of staff, Chris Delaney, inquired about his resignation in July.

Delaney promised him a job as an adviser for two years, with a salary comparable to that of an MLA. Paton declined the offer, but admitted he was initially unaware of the potential illegality of accepting the proposal. Under Canada's Criminal Code, negotiating a reward or benefit tied to resignation from political office is considered a criminal offense.

It is against the law to offer employment or any form of compensation in exchange for an MLA stepping down, hence the incident is deemed illegal under the Criminal Code. Paton expressed surprise at the seriousness of the allegations, stating that he had never encountered a situation like this before. He believes that the police will visit him on Wednesday and suspects that two other Conservatives might have also discussed the matter with the RCMP recently.

Findlay, who won the party’s leadership in May but lacks a seat in the legislature, will contest a byelection in Abbotsford-Mission, following the departure of her predecessor, Reann Gasper, who has been appointed as Findlay’s deputy chief of staff. Findlay has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the recordings, which have surfaced online, are merely "normal political discussions" and do not constitute a criminal offense.

She wrote in a statement last week, emphasizing that a "fair-minded person" would recognize the lack of any intent to engage in illegal activities. The RCMP confirmed on a previous occasion that they were aware of the purported recording involving Findlay addressing Conservative legislators, but have not confirmed or denied any investigation or identified any suspects until formal charges are filed.