CONFLICT OF INTEREST LAW CHANGES

Released on January 23, 2002

The provincial government is considering amendments to The Members'

Conflict of Interest Act.



Premier Lorne Calvert said today that the Deputy Minister of Justice

advised his office that the Criminal Justice Service of Manitoba Justice

has responded to a referral from the Public Prosecutions Division of

Saskatchewan Justice. The referral pertained to Saskatchewan Agriculture

and Food contracts with Durst and Associates. The contracts, undertaken

during 2000, involved the participation of former Cabinet Minister Eric

Upshall.



The Manitoba response indicates that there is no basis for prosecution

under The Members' Conflict of Interest Act because of a six-month

limitation period that applies to any prosecution initiated under the act.

The contracts in question were completed more than six months ago.



In December the matter was also referred to the Province's Conflict of

Interest Commissioner, Gerald Gerrand. The Commissioner publicly stated

that he would inquire into "all relevant factual matters" but that

provisions of the act would restrict his opinion and recommendations to

"current members" of the legislature.



"The Manitoba response and the public comments of Mr. Gerrand indicate that

the Conflict of Interest Act has some limitations," Premier Calvert said.

"The government will want to consider the means by which these can best be

addressed."



"The government will wait for Mr. Gerrand's report and consult with members

of the legislature prior to considering amendments to the act." Calvert

said.



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For more information, contact:



Kevin Wishlow

Media Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-0963