A former B.C. Transportation minister is wading into the argument over SNC Lavalin being among three shortlisted companies bidding on building a new Pattullo Bridge in New Westminster.

Kamloops South MLA Todd Stone says while there is no question SNC Lavalin has a questionable history of terrible decisions that is something be dealt with federally.

Stone says if a trial does proceed federally, and if the company is found guilty, they may be banned from federal infrastructure projects for ten years but not provincial.

“I think we have to separate our emotions on this issue from reason. I don’t think it would be lawful to cut them out of provincial infrastructure projects. One could try to do that and I would suspect they would be hit with a pretty significant lawsuit. It would be the taxpayers that would be hit with that bill.”

SNC Lavalin faces accusations it paid bribes to get government business in Libya a criminal case that has triggered a political controversy engulfing the Prime Minister and his cabinet.