January 19, 2012 – Vancouver – Christy Clark’s new Chief of Staff, super-lobbyist Ken Boessenkool, was a registered federal lobbyist for Enbridge from March 20th, 2006 to January 22nd, 2008. He was specifically lobbying for the Northern Gateway Pipeline.
 
“The Northern Gateway pipeline is too important for allegations of conflict of interest in the Premier’s office,” said John Cummins, Leader of British Columbia’s Conservatives. “Mr. Boessenkool’s relationship with Enbridge opens him up to accusations of conflict of interest should the province support the project. The only way to remove the impression of any decision being tainted is for Mr. Boessenkool to be excluded from any discussions or decisions about the Northern Gateway pipeline.
 
“Will the Premier publicly announce that Mr. Boessenkool will not be involved in any discussions or decisions to do with the Northern Gateway?”
 
“The BC Conservatives are the only party that supports the Northern Gateway pipeline because of the economic benefits it will bring to British Columbians. We believe that a pipeline that meets Canada’s stringent environmental laws should be built. To reject it would send a message that large scale natural resources projects are not welcome in BC. Our decision to support the pipeline is free from any insider influence and is based on what is in the best interests of British Columbians.”
 
“Premier Clark’s lack of leadership on this issue sends a terrible message to potential investors in BC’s natural resources. Large scale projects need political leadership if they are to create jobs across British Columbia.”
 
“The BC Conservatives were the first party to call for foreigners to be banned from the Northern Gateway pipeline hearings, and we are glad that the Premier has belatedly decided to agree with us.”

Media Contact:
Jim Mitchell
604-355-8152
conservatives@bcconservative.ca