e-KNOW News

By Ian Cobb

A recent BC NDP press release exposing Kootenay East BC Liberal Party candidate Tom Shypitka’s past business and financial troubles has set a heated pace leading to the May 9 provincial election.

Shypitka says the personal attack tactic showcases BC NDP candidate Randal Macnair’s and the BC NDP’s desperation to win a riding held by BC Liberals (Bill Bennett) for four straight terms.

And Macnair charges that the release wasn’t a campaign tactic; it is simply telling the truth about a candidate who has flaunted his business experience in the run up to next Tuesday’s election.

The initial press release concerning Shypitka, entitled ‘BC Liberal candidate didn’t pay $147,000 in taxes, bills for failed local businesses’ arrived in e-KNOW’s email, sent by a “John Doe” – the name of the sender.

Shortly after e-KNOW contacted Macnair for verification of the release (that it was a real BC NDP release), an official party release bearing the same message arrived in our email.

“We already know that Christy Clark likes to give her rich donors big breaks on their taxes. But it seems her candidates like to avoid paying their taxes, too,” the release began.

“Kootenay East BC Liberal candidate and financial advisor Tom Shypitka’s business failed to pay more than $147,000 in property tax, utility bills and GST over a seven year period leading up to the collapse of his business in 2011.

“Court records filed in connection with Shypitka’s default on two mortgages totalling $411,000 show that the BC Liberal candidate failed to pay $98,293 in utility bills and property taxes to the City of Cranbrook, as well as $49,227 in GST. (source 1, source 2).” Editor’s Note: Source 1 leads to Dropbox with no visible ‘source’

“Before Mr. Shypitka stopped paying his taxes and utility bills in 2005, his bar was the subject of at least nine liquor licensing infractions for serving after hours and failing to check IDs. Under Mr. Shypitka’s management the bar was described by the Liquor Control Branch as a “continuing problem.” (source, page 13)

“Unfortunately, the City of Cranbrook and the Canada Revenue Agency weren’t the only ones left on the hook by Shypitka,” the release continued.

“Shypitka also accused (sic) of bouncing cheques to a local man for two pool tables. When the man tried to recover the money, Shypitka counter-sued him for costs in excess of the unpaid balance.

“British Columbians work hard and pay their taxes to support their communities. But Christy Clark’s candidates think it’s okay to walk out on their bills and force their neighbours to pay more for the services we all count on.

This leaves a few questions for Christy Clark: If you expect British Columbians to pay their taxes, shouldn’t you expect your candidates to do the same? What does it say about your leadership that you want Mr. Shypitka to be part of your caucus?” The release asks of the premier, before concluding with a seemingly random add-on attacking his character.

“In a 2012 Facebook post, Mr. Shypitka reflected on his experience in the hospitality industry, calling a widely supported, life-saving crackdown on drinking and driving as ‘extreme’ and having ‘gone too far.’”

Shypitka said anything can and does happen to people in business and he regrets aspects of his past, which included ownership in Finnegan’s Wake pub.

“Sometimes a business will suffer set backs or insolvencies. When this happens innocent people can be negatively affected. As a businessperson this perhaps is the most regrettable thing that can happen, and my family and I have felt that regret,” he said in a written response to the NDP release.

There is also much more to his business career than that, he noted.

“I have been associated with many successful businesses over the years employing thousands of people. I have always been transparent to the BC Liberals and the community as well. This isn’t a secret to most people.”

The personal attack also didn’t surprise Shypitka, who said he has stayed away from such campaign tactics.

“It is no surprise that my opponent has decided to stoop this low in this last week of the campaign. Apparently he will do anything to win,” he said, adding, “I have had numerous opportunities to attack my opponents on a personal level but anyone who knows me will know I am not like that. My main opposition has made public accusations regarding my campaign manager who is one of the most honourable people I know, and she wasn’t given the opportunity to respond, as he made the accusation at a public debate.

“I have always held myself as an ethical person and I am not about to stop know. I have had incredible support since this statement was released and I thank everyone who is standing beside me,” Shypitka concluded.

Macnair told e-KNOW the BC NDP release is about holding the Liberals and their candidate to account.

“I’m not sure why this should be considered a campaign tactic rather than simply telling the truth. Tom has been explicitly running on his small business record and refers constantly to the past. This is his record as a businessperson, why should it be any different when it’s his past rather than someone else’s?” he stated.

“The bigger issue is the business acumen and honesty of the BC Liberals and their candidates. Their willingness to raid the coffers of BC Hydro and ICBC to pretend to balance their budgets has created a dangerous financial situation. The BC Liberal’s failure to run our Crown assets has increased suffering for regular people. We need to elect a government whose focus is on affordability and improved services for people, a government based on openness and transparency, a government who works for you.

“This is about holding Tom and the BC Liberals to account for what they have done. It’s about trust and British Columbians getting the best representation possible. That’s what I intend to do,” Macnair concluded.

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