The provincial government has made a decision on whether or not to hold a public inquiry into allegations of massive amounts of money laundering in the province.

Premier John Horgan made it official coming out of a cabinet meeting.

“We have agreed and passed the appropriate orders to hold a public inquiry.”

Premier John Horgan says there will be no constraints on inquiry Commissioner, and BC Supreme Court Justice, Austin Cullen.

“I believe that British Columbians want to know how this was allowed to happen in British Columbia. The Commissioner is not constrained in terms of timelines. He can go as far back as he needs to get answers for British Columbians. This is about making sure there is accountability.”

As for the inquiries mandate Attorney General Dave Eby says it is comprehensive.

“They include the right to inspect any public place and seize records and the right to apply to court to obtain a warrant to search a private place and seize records. The right to order an individual to attend a hearing and testify under oath and to order that individual to produce any information and thing in that person’s control. And the power to find a person who refuses to respect these orders in contempt and the same as if an order in our court was not followed.”

Horgan was asked if former BC Liberal cabinet ministers will be put on the stand.

“I believe that if there is testimony that the Commissioner requires to get to the bottom of this he will compel that testimony. Who that will be is up to the Commissioner.”

He adds the inquiry needs federal cooperation.

“I also spoke with the Prime Minister about this last week and let him know we were on this track and he offered his full support at that time as well.”

As for the cost?

“We have not put forward a final cost because we do not know what that will be.”

Eby notes some people and agencies refused to participate in the two reports by former RCMP Deputy Commissioner Peter German.

“We are done with asking nicely. Today our government has given Justice Cullen the authority to do more than ask for voluntary participation. we have given him all of the powers to compel testimony and gather evidence as his new office as Commissioner allows under the Public Inquiry Act.”

The inquiry is mandated to deliver an interim report in 18 months and a final report by May of 2021.