CRANBROOK (September 14, 2023) – Tom Shypitka, Shadow Minister for Mines & Low Carbon Innovation, and BC United MLA for Kootenay East released the following statement in response to the NDP’s firing of BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) CEO David Morton and the hiring of Mark Jaccard as replacement CEO and board chair:
“The firing of BCUC CEO and board chair David Morton is a drastic move by this NDP government to politicize the panel ahead of the next election, similar to their reckless political interference of BC Ferries that only resulted in further chaos and inefficiency.
“Former chair David Morton still had over a year left on his mandate and was scheduled to be in his position until December 2024. Not only has this government unnecessarily cut his service short, but they have also replaced him with NDP-ally Mark Jaccard who in 2013 said ‘We should be encouraging individuals to vote NDP in any riding where the NDP has a chance of defeating the Liberal candidate.’
“This latest trick by the NDP is a direct violation of the BCUC’s mandate as an independent agency of the government. Jaccard has spent considerable time explicitly criticizing LNG projects and will surely take every chance to kill good-paying jobs for British Columbians.
“Once again, David Eby has resorted to behind-the-scenes politics for his own benefit instead of protecting B.C.’s economy and jobs.”
