January 22, 2018 •
Lawsuit Challenges Trudeau’s Ethics and Lobbying Appointments
On January 18, a lawsuit was filed challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent appointments to head the ethics and lobbying sections of the Canadian government. The lawsuit, filed by Democracy Watch, a non-profit Canadian organization concerned with government accountability, alleges […]
On January 18, a lawsuit was filed challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent appointments to head the ethics and lobbying sections of the Canadian government.
The lawsuit, filed by Democracy Watch, a non-profit Canadian organization concerned with government accountability, alleges the Cabinet failed to consult with the opposition party, as required by law, before making the appointments. The lawsuit also asserts the Cabinet has a conflict of interest because of ongoing ethics investigations, which prevent it from legally allowing the appointments.
On January 9, Mario Dion was selected to replace Mary Dawson, whose term had expired, as Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. On November 30, Trudeau nominated Nancy Bélanger as the next Commissioner of Lobbying. Bélanger replaced Karen Shepherd, who occupied the position through term extensions following the expiration of Shepard’s seven-year term in June 2016.
Democracy Watch’s press release is available here.
December 12, 2017 •
Mario Dion Set to Replace Mary Dawson as Canada’s Ethics Commissioner
On December 11, it was announced Mario Dion, chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, would replace Mary Dawson as Canada’s Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. Dawson’s appointment as commissioner was to have ended in the summer […]
On December 11, it was announced Mario Dion, chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, would replace Mary Dawson as Canada’s Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. Dawson’s appointment as commissioner was to have ended in the summer of 2016, but her term had been repeatedly extended by the government.
The announcement was made in the House of Commons by Government House Leader Bardish Chagger. Dion’s appointment still needs to be confirmed by a vote of the House.
Besides administering the federal conflict of interest laws for public office holders and members of the House of Commons, the Office of the Conflict and Ethics Commissioner provides confidential advice to the prime minister about conflicts of interest and ethics issues.
Pictured: Incoming Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion.
October 28, 2016 •
Canada’s Liberal Party Fundraisers Under Fire
Lobbying Commissioner Karen Shepherd says her office is investigating Liberal Party fundraisers to see if they violate the Lobbying Act. Opposition members of Parliament argue the fundraisers are “pay to play” and violate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ethic guidelines. Conflict […]
Lobbying Commissioner Karen Shepherd says her office is investigating Liberal Party fundraisers to see if they violate the Lobbying Act.
Opposition members of Parliament argue the fundraisers are “pay to play” and violate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ethic guidelines.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson stated the fundraisers do not violate the Conflict of Interest Act, but she believes the practice to be unsavory and is calling for changes to Canada’s laws to restrict the practice.
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