If the Province of BC is party to a formal MOU to jointly operate a program, and expenses are managed by a non-government org., can you confirm that reimbursing program costs (e.g., travel) is not a gift because it is a cost of a gov. program?
Expenses paid by an NGO pursuant to an MOU or contract for services would likely not be considered a gift. Going forward, it may be prudent to include a specific reference (in the MOU or contract for service) to expenses paid by the organization, to state that reasonable expenses such as meals and travel for participating public office holders are a routine part of the MOU/contract expenses and are not considered gifts or other benefits under the LTA.