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MLA calls on gov't to pull the plug on partisan ads

Independent MLA Vicki Huntington used question period last week to call on the provincial government to end the use of public money for ads that contain political party messaging.

Independent MLA Vicki Huntington used question period last week to call on the provincial government to end the use of public money for ads that contain political party messaging.

"British Columbians are tired of seeing their own money used for ads that are clearly political in nature," said the Delta South MLA. "If you compare the most recent wave of ads praising the government's balanced budget with the previous B.C. Liberal campaign platform, they are almost identical."

Huntington asked the government to develop legislation that restricts the use of partisan political information in government advertising, following the recommendations of B.C.'s auditor general. She is also calling for independent oversight of all government advertising.

"There are legitimate reasons for government to run ads, but those ads need to convey important information and be strictly in the public interest," she said.

"The business of government should be kept as far from politics as possible. What's happening today is an abuse of public money.

"No matter what party you support, no matter who is in power, independent oversight of government expenditures on advertising is critical," said Huntington. "It is not acceptable for any party in power to use public money to promote their agenda."