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Former federal cabinet minister Chuck Strahl cannot campaign for the B.C. Liberals due to his current position as head of the federal Security Intelligence Review Committee, the B.C. Conservatives are arguing.Chris Wattie/Reuters

The B.C. Conservative Party is demanding B.C. Liberal Leader Christy Clark clarify a statement she made suggesting Chuck Strahl is helping her campaign.

At a media event on Wednesday, Ms. Clark said: "[May 14] is going to be about individuals making their voice heard in the ballot booth. But you know, Stockwell Day, as an example, and Chuck Strahl, two retired politicians, federal politicians, are both very actively helping us in this campaign and I'm really proud of the contribution that they've been making."

Mr. Strahl, a former Conservative cabinet minister, was appointed head of the federal Security Intelligence Review Committee last June. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service watchdog is a non-partisan and independent committee.

"Christy Clark must clarify the accusation she made against Chuck Strahl, alleging that he acted in an impartial way to campaign for the Liberals," B.C. Conservative leader John Cummins said in a news release issued Thursday.

"I know Chuck. He is an honourable man, and he would never campaign when it is forbidden by his Chairmanship of the Security Intelligence Review Committee. The Premier must apologize and clarify her statement immediately."

Ms. Clark clarified her statements Thursday morning: "He has been active for the last two years and when he took on his non-partisan role just very recently, he stepped back from that," she said.

With a report from Justine Hunter

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