13.34°C Vancouver

Apr 30, 2021 3:24 PM -

Former B.C. cabinet minister denies saying government knew about casino crime

Share On
former-b-c-minister-kash-heed-next-up-to-testify-at-money-laundering-public-inquiry
Commissioner Austin Cullen listens to introductions before opening statements at the Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia, in Vancouver, on Monday, February 24, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A former cabinet minister denies telling a gaming investigator that members of the B.C. Liberal government knew about illegal activities at casinos and were doing little to prevent the crimes.

Kash Heed told a public inquiry into money laundering that he recalls a lunch in Victoria in 2009 with former gaming investigator Fred Pinnock, but his recollection of the meeting differs from Pinnock's.

Pinnock testified last fall that he met with Heed in November 2009 shortly after he was appointed solicitor general to raise concerns about large amounts of suspicious cash that were likely linked to organized crime at B.C. casinos.

Pinnock, a former RCMP officer who once led its now-disbanded integrated illegal gaming enforcement team, said he was shocked when Heed told him the gaming minister at the time, Rich Coleman, was more concerned about making money for the government than fighting casino crime.

Heed, who is also a former chief of the West Vancouver Police Department, said today he didn't make such a comment. Coleman testified earlier this week that he never put gaming profits ahead of fighting crime at casinos.

Latest news

CanadaMay 28, 2026

U.S., Canada and Mexico announce joint Ebola travel measures ahead of FIFA World Cup

The United States, Canada and Mexico have announced coordinated travel health measures for visitors arriving from high-risk African regions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, citing growing concerns over the spread of Ebola. In a joint statement, the three host countries said protecting the health and safety of residents and international visitors during the North American tournament remains a top priority. The measures follow a recent World Health Organization declaration warning that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spread to neighbouring countries. According to the Worl
BCMay 28, 2026

Conservative MP introduces bill to repeal B.C. oil tanker ban

Conservative MP David MacKenzie, who represents Calgary Signal Hill, has introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons seeking to repeal the federal oil tanker ban along British Columbia’s northern coast. Bill C-264 is currently at second reading. The federal restriction, which came into force in 2019, prohibits oil tankers carrying large quantities of crude oil and certain petroleum products from loading or unloading along much of B.C.’s northern coastline. The legislation was introduced as part of federal marine and environmental protection measures. Speaking in the House
ucp-backs-alberta-remaining-in-canada-after-public-split-over-separation-stance
AlbertaMay 28, 2026

UCP backs Alberta remaining in Canada after public split over separation stance

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the United Conservative Party supports Alberta remaining in Canada following conflicting public statements from party leadership ahead of a proposed fall referendum on separation. The clarification came after UCP president Rob Smith said earlier this week the party would not take a position on Alberta separation before the vote. Danielle Smith has repeatedly stated she supports Alberta staying within Confederation. In a new statement issued Wednesday, the party said it supports Alberta remaining in Canada and “has always supported that position.” The dis
kewal-singh-dhillon-appointed-new-punjab-bjp-president
IndiaMay 28, 2026

Kewal Singh Dhillon appointed new Punjab BJP president

The Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed former Barnala MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon as the new president of its Punjab unit, according to a letter issued by BJP national general secretary Arun Singh. The appointment was approved with the consent of the party’s national leadership and takes effect immediately, the letter said. Dhillon, who was previously associated with former Punjab chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, has remained active in Punjab politics for several years. The leadership change comes as the BJP continues efforts to strengthen its organizational presence in Punjab ahead of fu
daytime-knife-point-robbery-at-surrey-jewelry-store-under-investigation
BCMay 28, 2026

Daytime knife-point robbery at Surrey jewelry store under investigation

Surrey Police Service is investigating a daytime robbery at a jewelry store located in the Payal Business Centre in Surrey. Police say the suspect fled after stealing jewelry during the incident, which took place in the middle of the day. According to SPS media relations officer Staff Sgt. Ali Gales, officers were called to the area near 128 Street and 81 Avenue at approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday following reports of a robbery at the business. Police said the suspect allegedly stole several pieces of jewelry from the store before fleeing the scene. Reports indicate jewelry being worn by the

Related News