Communications protocol stipulates rules when Mike Farnworth speaks about consumer issues
The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General must adhere to a contract with a corporation contracted by the B.C. NDP government to protect the public interest
Yesterday, I wrote about how the B.C. NDP government has contracted out consumer protection to a stand-alone corporation under a 30-year agreement. I noted that under provincial legislation, the government only appoints one of the directors.
Today, I’ll share some of what’s in this legal agreement’s communications protocol.
Here’s what happens if someone files a complaint to Consumer Protection B.C. (the corporation) or the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General about the corporation’s performance.
Hypothetically, let’s say that this correspondence concerns the failure of Consumer Protection B.C. to protect the public from a rapacious car dealer who imposes a market-adjustment fee after a vehicle has been purchased but hasn’t yet been delivered.
If the complaint is filed to the ministry, it notifies Consumer Protection B.C., which must provide information as required. Then the ministry is responsible for drafting a response.
But if the complaint is filed directly to Consumer Protection B.C., it responds.
Now, let’s say a reporter asks for an interview with the minister, Mike Farnworth, about Consumer Protection B.C. operational issues. Here’s what happens under the legal agreement: this request is referred to the corporation. It responds directly and keeps a media log.
In addition, Consumer Protection B.C. must advise the ministry of “critical requests”, according to the contract.
If, on the other hand, there’s a high-profile classification, investigation, or prosecution, the ministry and Consumer Protection B.C. will issue a joint press release or response. This comes after each has consulted with the other.
However, only the ministry will issue press releases or respond to media inquiries on legislative or regulatory changes. Under the contract with the corporation, this is done in consultation with Consumer Protection B.C.
They work in tandem in other areas. The ministry prepares materials for formal speeches on all topics and then advises Consumer Protection B.C. And if stakeholders invite the minister to attend an event or meet with them on a specific issue (i.e., market-adjustment fees for new cars), the minister attends as required. Consumer Protection B.C. is informed about this and invited to attend if appropriate.
If you want to read other aspects of the communications protocol, including what happens when there’s a crisis involving the Travel Assurance Fund, you can click this link and go to pages 76 and 77 of the contract.