The Liberal government is spending taxpayer money in an attempt to silence a potential political rival.
Bryce Casavant, who is currently seeking the NDP nomination for the new riding of Comox/Courtenay on Vancouver Island, received a formal letter from lawyers contracted by the Liberal government demanding further restrictions on him, following a blog posted to his political website.
Bryce Casvant is the Conservation Officer who received international support after refusing an order to kill two innocent bear cubs - and is now seeking political office to combat the bureaucracy that he feels has ignored his hometown in the Comox Valley.
In a recent letter written by a contracted lawyer using public funds, the Liberal government disclosed that it was actively monitoring Casavant’s campaign in an effort to silence critiques of current bureaucracy.
Casavant received the letter in response to a blog titled ‘Pooh and Politics’, which was posted publicly on his campaign website.
The blog makes reference to the similarities between Casavant’s experience as a rescuer of bear cubs and the story of the Canadian soldier who rescued a bear cub that would later become the inspiration for the iconic Winnie the Pooh character.
“I’m very concerned that the government is trying to influence the statements of a potential political rival through untoward legal channels,” Casavant said.
“Not only is it an obviously undemocratic attempt to silence someone who disagrees with certain processes, but it's an inappropriate use of public funds prior to an election.”
The Liberal government has requested an arbitration hearing in order to limit what Casavant can say during his campaign for public office. At the time of this release no such hearing has been granted.
The BCGEU Union and Casavant’s private counsel are now involved in his defence of free speech and expression of political opinion.