Two weeks before bidding closes to privatize B.C.'s liquor distribution and warehousing, the head of the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has tendered his resignation.
In a memo to staff on Thursday, general manager Jay Chambers said he will be leaving July 6 to become the president of the Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of B.C.
The organization, which was established in 2004, is delegated by the province to enforce the Motor Dealer Act and sections of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act on the sale of motor vehicles.
"It is with very mixed emotions that I have made this decision," the memo stated. "Words cannot properly describe just how much I have enjoyed being the General Manager of the LDB. However, I have been in this job for over 15 years, and I feel that it is time for a change, both for me and the LDB."
For the 2010-11 fiscal year, Chambers was paid $199,847. He announced that chief financial officer Roger Bissoondatt would become the acting general manager until a permanent replacement is found. Bidding closes June 29 for the Distribution of Liquor Project and a shortlist of one to three proponents is expected July 20.
"It's very interesting that he's going for a new job in the middle of the shortlisting process," said NDP critic Shane Simpson. "He's bailing out, this makes it increasingly difficult for the government to proceed."
Simpson called Chambers the "most knowledgeable" person on the privatization and another reason why it should be halted.
"[Chambers is] key player in putting it together and moving it forward," Simpson said.
Chambers did not respond to repeated BIV interview requests. A request to interview Coleman was not fulfilled, but a statement from his office said Chambers is resigning to "pursue a new career."
Coleman's statement said Chambers' resignation has "nothing to do" with the privatization and "his departure will not affect the process in any way."
Simpson, citing an ongoing BIV investigation, called the LDB privatization process "tainted" on May 8 in the legislature. The government has released no business plan and did not consult with industry.
Frontrunner Exel Logistics, which has the Alberta liquor distribution monopoly through its Connect Logistics unit, said in a 2009 internal memo obtained by BIV that it could use its close relationship with liquor minister Rich Coleman to influence the writing of the request for proposals.
In 2005, Exel hired BC Liberal-connected lobbyists Mark Jiles and Patrick Kinsella to propose changing the liquor distribution model.
Besides Exel, the announced bidders are ContainerWorld Forwarding Services, Centric Retail Logistics, Dimex Distribution, GL Distribution, Hillebrand Westlink, Kuehne + Nagel and Schenker of Canada. •
