5 Jan 2017
Lethbridge Herald
Dean Bennett THE CANADIAN PRESS — EDMONTON
Alberta Progressive Conservative Leader Ric McIver has been fined for a conflict of interest for publicly calling for changes in electricity pricing in a way that could benefit his wife’s company. “I do not believe that Mr. McIver was intending to protect his wife’s business in asking the question,” said Ethics Commissioner Marguerite Trussler, in a written ruling issued Wednesday.
She said while she believed his comments were likely part of the normal political give and take, “there could be unintended consequences that could benefit his wife.”
Trussler fined McIver $500, directed he apologize to the legislature assembly, and refrain from future comments or votes on the electricity file as long as Christine McIver is involved in the industry. McIver said he will abide by the decision. “MLAs need to be held to a high standard,” McIver said in an interview.
“The ethics commissioner says I fell short, even if it was (done) unintentionally, so what can I do but accept the decision.”
Trussler launched the investigation after receiving a complaint from NDP legislature member Heather Sweet in late November.
Sweet, the chair of the NDP caucus, said the Progressive Conservatives retain the me-first ethos from their days in government.
“The PCs haven’t changed their ways,” Sweet told reporters at the legislature. “They’re looking out for their friends and family and not out for the best interests of Albertans.”
Sweet said it’s the first such fine levied by the ethics commissioner’s office.
The investigation arose after Premier Rachel Notley’s government announced in November it would cap electricity prices in the short term as it transforms the power grid away from coal-fired electricity to one based on a mix of renewables and natural gas by 2030.