Man recommended to become ethics commissioner previously sought UCP nomination: NDP

The Alberta legislative building in an undated photo. (CTV News Edmonton)

The man recommended to become Alberta's next ethics commissioner has ties to the United Conservative Party, the Opposition NDP said on Wednesday.

A committee of MLAs recommended Shawn McLeod to the assembly after a six-month search process. McLeod is a lawyer who's worked in the private and public sectors, including as a deputy minister and a special advisor to the deputy minister of executive council.

“The committee made the determination that Mr. McLeod is the best possible candidate for this job,” committee chair, and MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, Tany Yao said. “Not only does he have years of experience in executive and leadership roles, but he has a deep understanding of the moral obligations of MLAs, ministers, senior officials, and political staff. He will be an asset in enhancing the accountability and integrity of government for years to come.”

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“The committee considered exemplary candidates from across the country, and found the right person for the job,” committee member Shane Getson said. “I look forward to the assembly supporting this recommendation and moving forward with Mr. McLeod’s appointment.”

According to the NDP, McLeod also sought to become a UCP candidate in a previous election.

“The position of the Ethics Commissioner should be someone who is non-partisan," said NDP MLA Irfan Sabir. "Someone who has no previous political ties to the parties that make up the government of Alberta or of the opposition."

Last year, the former ethics commissioner found Premier Danielle Smith violated the Conflict of Interest Act over a conversation she had with her justice minister about a high-profile COVID-19 case.

The province decided to replace the ethics commissioner last year after they found Premier Danielle Smith contravened the Conflict of Interest Act.