Fletcher targets ‘woefully inadequate’ conflict rules for MLAs, family members

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This article was published 26/04/2017 (2550 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tory backbencher Steven Fletcher has tabled legislation that would impose sweeping conflict-of-interest rules on MLAs and their families.

The current rules, which date back to 1987, are too limited and ineffective and apply only to an MLA’s activities within Manitoba and while in office, Fletcher said. The rules need to cover the many ways provincial members and their closest family members could profit from their decisions and their knowledge, he said.

“The current legislation for conflict of interest is woefully inadequate and must be changed to relate to the realities of the 21st century,” Fletcher told the legislature earlier this week, adding his private member’s bill is based on legislation brought forward by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.

It covers assets owned by an MLA or a member of their immediate family, including stocks, bonds and real estate in Canada.

“In the last 15 years, the world has changed dramatically, from tax-free savings accounts to public policy,” Fletcher said.

“This bill will ensure that no MLA or immediate family can benefit financially.”

As an example, Fletcher said, in 1987 no one envisioned a family member could profit from the policy decision an MLA makes on legalized marijuana, and his bill would fill that “pothole.”

Fletcher acknowledged he may have problems getting the bill passed. To get the bill to the table, he had to reach out to the opposition, getting Liberal Jon Gerrard to second it.

Fletcher said he believes the bill should be non-partisan. Any questions about why he can’t get caucus support should go to the premier, Fletcher said.

Premier Brian Pallister’s staff said he was not available to discuss the issue Wednesday.

Gerrard said strengthening the legislation is long overdue.

Fletcher’s proposed rules would extend any financial holdings and business arrangements beyond Manitoba to anywhere in Canada and would place limits on former MLAs doing business with the government for a year after leaving office.

Fletcher regularly tilts at windmills, tabling private member’s bills on issues as diverse as organ donations, the awarding of Queen’s counsel designations, the insurance industry and legal profession and statutory holidays.

Fletcher’s rules would apply to an MLA’s spouse and dependent children and cover a wide range of investments, partnerships and involvement in organizations and companies.

MLAs would have to disclose their own investments, including retirement plans, insurance policies and remuneration or employment for family members.

Fletcher’s proposed bill is online at http://wfp.to/E9I.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca