Special prosecutor appointed to B.C. campaign fundraising probe

David Butcher QC has been appointed special prosecutor to provide legal advice to the RCMP in itsinvestigation into indirect political contributions and otheralleged contraventions of the B.C. Election Act.

Earlier this monthElections BC announced it would investigate alleged campaign fundraisingviolations after media reports of lobbyist contributing to the B.C. Liberal Party as individuals, and then being reimbursed by a client of company.

Elections BC referred the investigation to the RCMPto ensure it would not appear to be in conflict with the provincial election coming up on May 9.

Butcher is a senior counsel with Wilson Butcher Barristers. He has previously worked on a number of public inquiries including the 2013 investigationinto the "quick wins" caseinvolving government employees who were alleged to be working on a B.C. Liberal Party pre-election strategy aimed at ethnic communities.

Independent special prosecutors are appointed by B.C.'s Criminal Justice Branch in order to avoid any real or perceived improper influence in cases involving government officials or elected representatives.