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Premier steers clear of Surrey casino controversy
VANCOUVER/CKNW (AM980)
Shane Woodford | Email news tips to shane.woodford@corusent.com
1/28/2013

Premier Christy Clark is trying to avoid the Surrey casino controversy involving her Gaming Minister, Rich Coleman.


Coleman called Surrey councillors prior to council's decision, then criticized Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts and council after they voted to kill the mega-casino proposal in south Surrey.


But by the end of last week Coleman was backtracking, saying he supports Surrey's right to make up its own mind on land use issues.


Has the Premier talked to her minister about his comments?

"The City of Surrey made their decision, they are absolutely, obviously the right decision for them. They are politicians like the rest of us, they need to make tough decisions sometimes and they made it. And I  completely accept that"

Clark says he is the minister responsible, he got some questions, and he answered them.


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  1. bctaxpayer posted on 01/28/2013 11:31 AM
    Just as we'll as Watt's would take a large strip off risky Clark's back.
    1. cherylb_2696 posted on 01/29/2013 11:42 AM
      @bctaxpayer That's cause Diane can walk and talk at the same time.
  2. cherylb_2696 posted on 01/28/2013 11:43 AM
    I'm sorry. Christy is supposedly anti-bullying. Is that everywhere but in her own government? Perfect opportunity to walk the talk, instead, as usual, she runs and hides. Pathetic, really....
  3. Ken280 posted on 01/28/2013 11:50 AM
    i wonder where the Liberal/Cons of the coalition are on this one?I guess they support the sleazy way Coleman interfered as a Minister,on the other hand if it was the NDP they would be screaming for his resignation for conflict of Interest.This is what we have to look towards again if the liberal/Cons of the coalition ever form government and how many other calls did Coleman and others make in the last 12yrs. unbelievable interference but what do we expect from a government running amok and seemingly above the Law.Go NDP Go
  4. Jartann posted on 01/28/2013 11:59 AM
    There is no reason why Rich Coleman should not be speaking out in favour of the casino. I would have thought his right to freedom of expression did not end when he was elected. The people on Surrey council should be able to withstand a little pressure or input from Coleman-if not then they really don't belong on council. As for "conflict of interest"-exactly what is his interest and where is his conflict.

    As for the NDP, as much as I dislike them I would have no problem with a NDP cabinet minister speaking in support of anything like this. It is no secret so big deal. Hopefully this will be built in Langley and the related jobs and economic benefits will happen.

    We need more than "retraining" courses and committee meetings to improve the BC economy. So far that is about all we have from Adrian in the bubble Dix.
    1. cherylb_2696 posted on 01/28/2013 12:19 PM
      @Jartann Threatening to withhold any future casino projects from the City is not "speaking out in favour" and calling as the Minister responsible is not "the right to freedom of expression". If Coleman didn't know that he overstepped his bounds, why did he almost immediately back down from his statements and soften them considerably? He is the Minister responsible for Gaming and here is part of his job description. The ministry's Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch regulates all gaming in British Columbia, including the operations of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, which conducts and manages commercial gaming in the province. No where do I see threatening municipal governments to cave as part of the description. Totally inappropriate on his part.
    2. bctaxpayer posted on 01/28/2013 12:21 PM
      @Jartann Coleman made phone calls to the Surrey Council members,not good.Chubby should mind his own business. Next Watt's will rip him apart.
  5. taxed to death posted on 01/28/2013 12:27 PM
    Kresode Coleman your a neandrathal....he knows its a complete violation of the democratic process....it has conflict written all over it.....this is precisely why we need the legislature in progress .....the oaf needs to be accountable to questioning
  6. HJDH posted on 01/28/2013 01:00 PM
    Jartann, your defence of the Liberals goes beyond intellectual reason - it boarders on silly!
  7. speakup posted on 01/28/2013 01:24 PM
    oohhhh .....Chubby got in trouble by Momamilfie
    it's about time somebody reeled this thumbprint-face in!
    It's not like this guy would EVER listen to what the 'people' or other governments think! He is an island unto himself! let's hope he sinks it soon
    1. brianp1950 posted on 01/28/2013 03:34 PM
      @speakup After reading all this I just read an article on integrity BC about the Liberals giving away our forests now? Where are you CKNW when there is Liberal crap going on, are youhiding with CC?
  8. insite posted on 01/28/2013 02:40 PM
    It seems everyone has a opinion on Coleman's telephone calls to several Surrey councillors. In a free country, we can stand behind Coleman for apparently just doing his job.his job.

    In a free country, we can also conclude that what he did by trying to pressure Surrey was highly unethical and contrary to government policy on gaming.

    That said, there should be no question as to the appropriateness of his conduct.
    1. WizardOron posted on 01/28/2013 02:43 PM
      @insite He broke his governments ethics rules. He as minister cannot interfere in such a vote. His conduct was inappropriate and he should be held accountable by breaking the rules implemented by his own government.
    2. WizardOron posted on 01/28/2013 02:43 PM
      @insite He broke his governments ethics rules. He as minister cannot interfere in such a vote. His conduct was inappropriate and he should be held accountable by breaking the rules implemented by his own government.
  9. bctaxpayer posted on 01/28/2013 03:45 PM
    Risky Clark is in bed with NW.Especially Bill Good..He plays favors ,plain to hear.
  10. whiterockj posted on 01/28/2013 05:41 PM
    "But by the end of last week Coleman was backtracking, saying he supports Surrey's right to make up its own mind on land use issues."

    now coleman is flip flopping?????

    maybe whatever christy has is conatagious?
  11. joes_2868 posted on 01/28/2013 06:11 PM
    Ken280: The readers consultant, a man with a briefcase 50 miles away from home!
    The readers would like better replies from their consultant.
    As you lost your job as being sheriff on this site to "taxed to death", you might be on the way out losing your consultant title to "bc taxpayer"

    Then what are you going to do? Brian Topp does not care about you!
  12. DeceitinDrugsD posted on 01/28/2013 07:25 PM
    Coleman's actions reflect his priorities and it is not
    the everday taxpayer.

    He need to be putout to pasture.
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