B.C. Liberals face budget vote amid 'ethnic-vote' scandal

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 05 Maret 2013 | 22.40

While the so-called ethnic-vote scandal continues to dog B.C. Premier Christy Clark and the Liberal party, the government is facing a more immediate problem — a vote on the provincial budget slated for later today.

The Liberal majority in the legislature is now secured by only a few MLAs, and losing a budget vote would likely mean an early election.

Deputy premier Rich Coleman insists he's not worried, however.

"Everybody's behind the premier," he said. "We support the premier, and you'll see it tomorrow when we vote in the house on the budget … our guard is united, and we're going to win the next election."

Clark announced Monday Multiculturalism Minister John Yap was leaving his cabinet post while an investigation into the strategy to woo ethnic voters was underway.

The news came after the premier's then-deputy chief of staff Kim Haakstad, who helped draft the 17-page Multicultural Strategic Outreach Plan more than a year ago, announced she was stepping down on Friday.

Clark has apologized three times for the document, which was leaked by the NDP in the legislature, and the language used in it. The plan made several proposals to entice ethnic voters in the run-up to the May provincial election. It also suggested government resources could be used.

The budget vote is expected to take place Tuesday morning.

'I will take further action'

Meanwhile, Clark admits she may yet get caught up in the unfolding scandal.

Clark says there may be more action following the report, but she wouldn't detail what action might need to be taken.

While forcing out the premier and B.C. Liberal Party leader just 10 weeks before an election might sound unlikely, Clark told reporters Monday that all options were on the table.

"When we have all the facts and when the report is tabled, we will likely be required to take further action, and I will take further action," she said in response to questions about whose job might be on the line once an internal investigation is complete.

"When the report comes out and we see what it recommends and what it tells us, I will take action, and you'll see what that means."

Clark's comments could be a political manoeuver, but CBC legislative reporter Stephen Smart says the very fact that she's allowing the idea to circulate is significant.

Liberal caucus members leaving an emergency meeting with Clark Monday at the legislature said they were united behind her, but were also awaiting the outcome of deputy minister John Dyble's review of the controversial document.

Clark's cabinet ministers said Sunday they supported the premier even though mistakes had been made. Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett calling the leaked document a "doozy" of a political gaff.

B.C.'s next provincial election is slated for May 14, 2013.

With files from the CBC's Stephen Smart

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