IntegrityBC is a non-partisan advocacy group championing accountability and integrity in BC politics, according to its website.
The organization recently reported that TRIUMF had contributed to the BC Liberals political party. The news release suggested that since TRIUMF operates using public funds, the contributions should be returned.
TRIUMF is owned and operated as a joint venture by a consortium of 17 Canadian universities. It is situated on the south campus of the University of British Columbia. TRIUMF receives both public and private-sector dollars to support its operations and capital projects. According to its annual financial reports, TRIUMF has technology licensing and commercialization agreements that generate small but important revenues for the institution.
These non-public funds are used by TRIUMF, subject to review and approval by its Board of Management, to support its research programs, education and outreach activities, and public affairs. A small portion of these non-public funds are occasionally used for promoting science and technology advancement in BC and Canada.
-- by T.I. Meyer, TRIUMF's Head of Strategic Planning and Communication