Okay, nothing at all to do with urban issues, except that Kash used to police parts of Vancouver, but this is so startling I had to put up a link.
Extended Coverage:
The resignation of Kash Heed as British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General has delivered another devastating blow to Premier Gordon Campbell’s Liberal government. Heed, who just months earlier was considered a rising star in the party, was forced to step down after learning he had become the target of an RCMP investigation into possible Elections Act violations during his successful 2009 provincial campaign.
The investigation centers on allegations involving unregistered campaign brochures distributed in his Vancouver-Fraserview riding. The RCMP’s commercial crime unit is examining potential violations of campaign financing and advertising laws, focusing on pamphlets that may have exceeded spending limits and failed to meet disclosure requirements.
Heed’s political downfall is particularly striking given his groundbreaking career in law enforcement. He became Canada’s first Indo-Canadian police chief when he was appointed to lead the West Vancouver Police Department in 2007. His policing career began in 1979 with the Vancouver Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from constable to superintendent, earning recognition for his work in drug enforcement and organized crime units.
The former police chief’s resignation marks the third Solicitor General to leave the Liberal cabinet under controversial circumstances. John Les resigned in March 2008 and remains under investigation, while John van Dongen also departed amid legal troubles, creating a pattern of instability in this crucial portfolio.
Heed announced his resignation after being contacted by the RCMP commercial crime squad, who informed him he was a target of their investigation. In his statement, he emphasized that he had not intentionally violated any laws but felt he could not effectively perform his ministerial duties while under investigation.
The appointment of a special prosecutor to handle the case adds another layer of complexity to an already convoluted situation. The scandal comes at a critical time for Campbell’s government, which is already facing declining poll numbers and criticism on various fronts, including the HST implementation and Olympic cost overruns.
