Parksville-Qualicum MLA Adam Walker is at the UBCM convention in Vancouver this week as an Independent, after being removed from the NDP caucus following an investigation into a human resources complaint. (Adam Walker, MLA)

By Jordan Davidson

ongoing process

‘It was a tremendous surprise:’ Parksville-Qualicum MLA keen to clear his name

Sep 19, 2023 | 10:39 AM

PARKSVILLE — Adam Walker insists it’s business as usual, despite an eventful last few days.

Walker was removed from the provincial NDP caucus and from his role as the parliamentary secretary for the sustainable economy over the weekend, following an investigation into a human resources complaint.

Walker spoke with NanaimoNewsNOW on Wednesday, Sept. 19, and said he got a call from Premier David Eby on Sunday, Sept. 17, to inform him he was no longer a member of the party.

“It was a pretty quick call, probably two and half minutes, and Premier Eby basically said he’d made up his mind, that he wasn’t happy that he had to make the decision, but that he had removed me from caucus.”

A statement from Premier Eby’s office stated Walker was dismissed as a result of an internal investigation sparked by an unspecific human resources complaint.

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The Premier’s office did not elaborate further, only saying it was not sexual or criminal in nature.

While he can’t comment on the complaint specifically, Walker did say, “it was a tremendous surprise to be removed from caucus in this way.”

Walker said it was also unfortunate the way the information was released. He said he was concerned after Eby identified the source of the complaint as a staffer in his office.

“I’ve had camera crews in my office trying to film my staff and it’s made them very uncomfortable. It’s important that workers in this province, when they bring a complaint forward, that they understand that their privacy is going to be upheld so they don’t show up on the six o’clock news.”

Walker is currently at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver for the week, saying he’s still the same person he was three days ago, and plans to continue working hard for his community.

He said he’s hoping to clear his name once the complaint issue process is fully played out, but for now, he can’t comment on it any further.

“This process should have been private to protect the privacy of those involved, and I firmly believe that that privacy should be upheld for those that are identified in this process.”

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow