Man recommended to become ethics commissioner previously sought UCP nomination: NDP
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.”
“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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada to launch 'national action plan' to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Iran's president and foreign minister die in helicopter crash at moment of high tensions in Mideast
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country's foreign minister were found dead Monday hours after their helicopter crashed in fog, leaving the Islamic Republic without two key leaders as extraordinary tensions grip the wider Middle East.
Michael Cohen says he stole from Trump's company as defence presses key hush money trial witness
Former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen admitted Monday to jurors in the Republican's hush money trial that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from Trump's company as defence lawyers seized on the star witness' misdeeds to attack his credibility.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Investors watching posts from 'Crypto King' in the wake of fraud, money laundering charges
Former investors of the self-styled “Crypto King” say they are watching his social media accounts and worried his displays of wealth are signs he’s spending their money, even now, as another large expense tied to Aiden Pleterski has triggered a previously unreported lawsuit.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.
Jury finds Andrei Donet guilty of second-degree murder in stabbing death of Montreal teen
A jury has found a 21-year-old man guilty of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Montreal teenager Jannai Dopwell-Bailey outside his school in 2021.