Delta South MLA says RCMP to interview him Wednesday over alleged job-for-resignation offer

Delta South MLA Ian Paton said the RCMP will interview him Wednesday morning at his office about allegations that B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay offered him a paid job in exchange for resigning his seat.

Paton told reporters Tuesday that two officers will arrive at 9:30 a.m. He said Findlay's chief of staff, Chris Delaney, approached him in July during a Penticton caucus meeting with an offer: an advisory role paying approximately $122,000 annually—equal to an MLA's salary—if he would step down. Paton declined the offer and says he did not initially realize it might be illegal. "I didn't think that much about it," he said.

Canada's Criminal Code bars any offer of "reward or profit" in exchange for resignation from elected office. Paton believes the RCMP have already interviewed at least two other people who may have received similar offers, including Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird, a recent defector from the Conservative caucus. Bird confirmed Findlay asked for her seat but declined to discuss details of their conversations.

A recording of Findlay addressing a group of MLAs at the Penticton meeting and offering "advisory" positions in exchange for stepping down has circulated on social media. Black Press Media confirmed the recording's authenticity with people present at the time. Findlay has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations a "political smear job" and characterizing the discussions as "normal political discussions that respect the boundaries of the law and ethics."

The RCMP confirmed it is aware of the recording but would not confirm whether a formal investigation is underway, citing standard policy. The B.C. Prosecution Service also declined to say whether a special prosecutor has been assigned. Six other MLAs have quit the Conservative caucus in recent weeks, citing leadership and communication concerns.