CleanBC Grant program in BC to be investigated after concerning kickback accusations made

After a number of weeks of essentially saying "nothing to see here" the BC NDP Government has reversed field, largely owing to Opposition advocacy, to seek a review of some concerning allegations of a Kickback scheme in place related to the province's Carbon Reduction program through the CleanBC Grant program

Three programs from that initiative is administered by MNP which is based in Calgary. 

The issue dominated the Monday Question Period as Opposition members highlighted a recent video by the founders of Edison Motors, a BC based truck manufacturer that tracked some of their frustrations in dealing with the provincial bureaucracy.

Their video gained some additional traction thanks to BC United MLA Shirley Bond who shared it over the weekend through her social media stream. 

In the Monday Questions Period, BC United MLA Todd Stone took the lead in questions for the government side of the House. 

"Well, B.C. has by far the highest gas taxes and the highest gas prices in all of North America, with billions from the carbon tax disappearing into general revenue with no accountability from this NDP government. 

Now, British Columbians see explosive allegations of corruption that show that carbon tax kickbacks are flowing to NDP-appointed consultants through 20 percent success fees. Now, the energy minister was briefed on these allegations a month ago. 

Yet only today is she admitting wrongdoing in this carbon tax kickback scandal. My question is this: why did the NDP try to sweep this scandal under the rug three times last week, despite clear evidence having been brought directly to the minister's office a month ago? 

And specifically, what new information on the carbon tax kickbacks has been provided to the minister that has resulted in this sudden 180-degree change in her tune?"

In response  Josie Osborn Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation suggested that "new information' brought the Government to the decision that now was the tine for further investigation of the allegations.

"This new information has raised further questions, and they're questions that need to be answered. That's why I've directed the comptroller general to undertake a review of MNP's practices in two grant programs. 

That's why we want the Office of the Auditor General to do the same. These programs must be fair. British Columbians need to depend on that fairness. They need to know that we are always, always acting in the public interest, and that's why we're taking action now."

That set the tone for a tumultuous Question Period for the government side, the full back and forth of the afternoon can be reviewed from the video Archive here.

The name Edison Motors may be familiar to readers, we took a look at their plans after Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, championed their efforts to explore a potential base in the Terrace area.

Northwest business proponents with big plans for region gain shout out from Skeena MLA Ross

Mr. Ross once again took note of their frustrations and the issues of concern towards the provincial program yesterday; posting a video that outlined the evolution of the  situation as it worked its way through the Legislature.

As they have suddenly been put into the spotlight in the Legislature, MNP issued a short statement on Monday, noting that they were aware of the allegations, calling them false and misleading.

The controversial workings of the Clean BC program has been the focus for some of the major political columnists and observers.

With many of their commentaries noting of the sudden reversal by the government as the story began to gain traction over the weekend, leading up to the new focus now of the investigation by the Auditor General's office.

Government orders investigation into CleanBC grant program after kickback allegation
BC NDP forced to admit its opponents got it right on kickback allegations  
BC Government orders investigation into carbon tax grant process 
Auditor General to prove conflict of interest allegations in BC Clean tech grant program 
Investigation ordered into BC Clean energy grant process
Viral TikTok video sparks investigation into BC's Clean Energy grants 
BC's opposition parties demand probe into alleged government grant kickbacks 

More notes from the Legislature can be reviewed from our archive page.

A wider overview of the provincial political scene can be reviewed from our D'Arcy McGee portal.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.