The Unseen Cost of Integrity: Edison Motors and a Corruption Scandal? [Video]

Learn about the unseen cost of integrity in the cleantech industry with the Edison Motors corruption scandal. Explore the impacts of energy subsidies on sustainable transportation and the controversy surrounding the diesel EV and series hybrid technology.

This is directly tied to a corruption scandal we found ourselves entangled in, which was covered in the news. The article, written by Rob Shaw, gives a glimpse into the situation, but here, I’m taking the opportunity to delve deeper and provide a firsthand explanation of what transpired.

At the core of this controversy is the Commercial Vehicle Innovation Challenge, a grant meant for British Columbia companies focused on electrifying heavy-duty electric commercial trucks. Despite being the only company in BC developing such trucks, Edison Motors was overlooked for the grant. Following this, we encountered suspicious dealings involving MNP, a company previously known for offering grant-writing services at a cost beyond our budget.

During a meeting with MNP, who surprisingly turned out to be the administrators of government grants, we faced challenges over our ambitious project timelines and budget. Despite our confidence and past achievements, these factors, alongside some minor paperwork errors, were cited as reasons for grant denial. What followed was a disturbing offer from MNP to write our grants for a significant success fee, raising ethical concerns given their role in grant decisions.

Our journey led us to the legislative building in Victoria, where discussions with MLAs revealed further peculiarities. We openly shared our experiences, highlighting the conflict of interest with MNP’s dual role in grant administration and writing. Despite our transparency and the ensuing media coverage, the NDP government hesitated to investigate these concerning overlaps.

This video is more than a story about a potentially foolish financial decision; it’s a testament to our commitment to integrity at Edison Motors. We had the chance to align with MNP for better grant prospects but chose transparency over potential financial gain. It’s a decision that may have cost us financially, but one I hope resonates with our values of honesty and transparency. Join me as I unravel this intricate tale, reflect on our choices, and ponder the true cost of staying true to one’s principles in the face of adversity.

We have an Election this year, and hope that future governments are more transparent than our current NDP Government.

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