BC Liberal slogan: 'We drink, we drive!'

[ConsƦcons]

CBC News - Posted: Apr 30, 2013

6 B.C. politicians who faced driving infractions


B.C. Liberal Leader Christy Clark is taking heat for her decision to run
a red light at a deserted intersection in the early morning hours with
her 11-year-old son and a newspaper reporter in the car.

Clark publicly apologized for the incident, but she is far from the
first B.C. politician to face criticism for decisions made behind the wheel.

2013: B.C. Conservative candidate for North Vancouver-Lonsdale Jeff
Sprague stepped down amid drunk driving allegations. Mounties confirm
they are investigating after a vehicle allegedly hit two parked cars
before driving away. Charges have not been laid.

Conservative candidate steps down over impaired driving incident

2010: Liberal North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite was charged
with drunk driving after registering a blood alcohol content of 0.11 in
a roadside breathalyzer test while on her way home from an Olympic
party. She later pleaded guilty to driving without due care and
attention and was handed a fine and ordered to perform community service.

Drunk-driving charge dropped against B.C. MLA

2009: Then-solicitor general and Liberal MLA John van Dongen stepped
down from his post as the province’s top cop after his licence was
suspended for two incidents of excessive speeding, including one case
where he was caught driving more than 41 km/h over the speed limit.

B.C. solicitor general resigns over speeding tickets

2003: Then-premier Gordon Campbell was fined $913 US after pleading no
contest to a drunk driving charge in Hawaii. He was also ordered to take
part in a substance abuse program. According to court documents, his
blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.

1993: Then-NDP ICBC cabinet minister Moe Sihota was stripped of his
cabinet duties after it was revealed he had racked up seven speeding
tickets while in office.


B.C. premier fined for drunk driving

1960s: Social Credit highways minster Phil Gaglardi, dubbed "Flying
Phil," lost his licence on several occasions and faced numerous fines
while in office. Reports indicate he told one officer he was "testing
the curves," and often said his highways were so good 100 km/h was too
slow.