NDP anger off the scale with Liberal earthquake appointee

By

Posted March 12, 2014 6:30 am.

This article is more than 5 years old.

VICTORIA (NEWS1130) – Opposition New Democrat anger is off the Richter scale with the Liberal government’s appointment of a former cabinet minister to a lucrative earthquake monitor post.

The NDP’s legislative accountability critic Shane Simpson says the government’s appointment of John Les to a $140,000 position smacks of patronage and political pork-barrelling.

Simpson says it appears the close ties Les has to the Liberal government as a long-time member of the legislature and party stalwart qualifies him for the position of co-chairman of the government’s public earthquake preparedness campaign.

Attorney General Suzanne Anton says political ties have nothing to do with appointments of Les or former California government earthquake expert Henry Renteria.

Les also receives $60,000 a year for his appointment to the Farm Industry Review Board.

Simpson says if your name is John Les it obviously means you’ll get more from the Liberal government.

Keep it Factual

Add CityNews Vancouver as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

New docuseries by Vancouver filmmaker redefines what it means to be an athlete

A Vancouver filmmaker who was chosen by TELUS STORYHIVE to receive $20,000 in funding for production costs is producing a three-part docuseries on what it means to be an athlete.

13h ago

B.C. Conservatives promise no new taxes if elected on October 24

Lorne Doerkson says a future Conservative government in British Columbia under his leadership would not bring in new taxes, if elected on Oct. 24, when British Columbians head to the polls in a snap election called last week.

13h ago

One arrested in targeted shooting at Spanish Banks

On Saturday afternoon, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) were called to Spanish Banks for reports of a targeted shooting.

15h ago

Quiet B.C. campaign day as Eby teases economy announcement

As a chaotic week in B.C. politics comes to an end, the election campaign is far from over. This weekend, hopeful provincial leaders were on the campaign trail across the province and here’s a look at what some parties are promising with just under a month to go until election night.

16h ago

Top Stories

New docuseries by Vancouver filmmaker redefines what it means to be an athlete

A Vancouver filmmaker who was chosen by TELUS STORYHIVE to receive $20,000 in funding for production costs is producing a three-part docuseries on what it means to be an athlete.

13h ago

B.C. Conservatives promise no new taxes if elected on October 24

Lorne Doerkson says a future Conservative government in British Columbia under his leadership would not bring in new taxes, if elected on Oct. 24, when British Columbians head to the polls in a snap election called last week.

13h ago

One arrested in targeted shooting at Spanish Banks

On Saturday afternoon, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) were called to Spanish Banks for reports of a targeted shooting.

15h ago

Quiet B.C. campaign day as Eby teases economy announcement

As a chaotic week in B.C. politics comes to an end, the election campaign is far from over. This weekend, hopeful provincial leaders were on the campaign trail across the province and here’s a look at what some parties are promising with just under a month to go until election night.

16h ago

Most Watched Today

2:10

B.C. legislature resumes fall session

The BC Legislative Assembly resumed its fall session on Monday, as multiple crises are playing out across the province. Cecilia Hua breaks down the points of contention during the question period.

October 6, 2025 7:49 pm PST PST

2:13

B.C. forecasting deficit of $11.6-billion

A grim outlook was revealed when it comes to the B.C. government’s finances. As Kurt Black reports, the province’s projected deficit has hit a record high.

September 15, 2025 7:46 pm PST PST

2:09

Plane pull at Chicago airport to raise money for Special Olympics

Hundreds of people teamed up at Chicago's O'Hare Airport to see how fast they could move a plane using only a rope.

3h ago

1:16

Powerful Nor'easter continues to soak the U.S. east coast

A powerful nor'easter continues to batter the U.S. Northeast, bringing damaging winds, flooding and widespread disruptions.

3h ago

2:06

First-in-Canada pilot project provides Ring cameras to domestic violence survivors

A new partnership between a local non-profit and Ring is promising to provide doorway cameras to 3,000 survivors of domestic abuse in B.C. As Jack Rabb reports -- it comes at a time when women in the province are facing high levels of violence.

16h ago