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There’s a glaring irony in the phrase “pay-to-play” when it comes to B.C. politics. While developers, oil companies, banks, unions and lobbyists clearly got the memo, B.C.’s fundraiser in chief apparently didn’t.

Christy Clark helped raise $7.6 million for the B.C. Liberals in 2016. But the premier and party leader didn’t contribute a dollar of that nor has she made any donations this year, according to her party’s weekly online disclosures.

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In fact, Clark’s only political donations were in 2012, according to Elections B.C. In her first full year as premier and leader, Clark donated $1,453. Her name also doesn’t appear on the Liberals’ online disclosures for 2017.

It’s not that Clark can’t afford it. Last year, her take-home pay included her premier’s salary of $195,468 and a $50,000 top-up from the party.

Now, maybe it would be foolish to take money from the party only to turn around and donate some (and get a tax receipt). Still, you have to wonder why politicians like her don’t throw a few bucks in the pot when they spend so much time asking others to give generously of time, money and votes to further a specific ideological philosophy. Certainly, most non-profit organizations expect their directors and even staff to help out with some money.