Ministerial adviser will not be charged with investigation into violation of election rules

British Columbia health minister Adrian Dix answers questions at a press conference about the novel coronavirus COVID-19, in Vancouver, March 14, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)

The British Columbia Attorney’s Office says a former school board trustee later became a county clerk counselor will not be charged with alleged violation of electoral laws.

In May, a special prosecutor was appointed to provide legal advice on the investigation of Gurveen Dhaliwal, who was elected to the New Westminster school board last year before being appointed counselorto Health Minister Adrian Dix on May 1.

She was under investigation for acting as a teller during the same election last November, in which she was seeking a seat as a school board trustee.

A statement from the prosecution says Special Counsel John Gordon has determined that the standard for the charge has not been met.

Dhaliwal’s appointment to the Ministry of Health was withdrawn on May 15, shortly after the appointment of the Special Prosecutor, and she was given a ministerial counselor the same day to the Minister of Labour.

The Prime Minister’s office said on May 26 that Dhaliwal had been placed on furlough from her position as ministerial counselor.