December 2, 1998
(Executive Council)

The following statement was issued today by Premier Brian Tobin. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I wish to apprise the House of certain facts relating to a lawsuit brought against government by Mr. John Woodrow. As honourable members may recall, Mr. Woodrow was head of the Paralegal Institute, a private college whose licence was revoked by government.

As a result of this, Mr. Woodrow sued government for $90 million. On November 24, at Mr. Woodrow's request, Mr. Harold Porter, a lawyer with the Department of Justice who was defending the lawsuit, met with Mr. Woodrow. At that meeting, Mr. Woodrow alleged that he had paid bribes to acquire the licence for the Paralegal Institute.

In response, Mr. Porter told Mr. Woodrow that he should place any such matters in the hands of the police. Mr. Porter reported Mr. Woodrow's statements to the Deputy Minister of Justice, Ms. Lynn Spracklin, who on November 25 referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Colin Flynn. Mr. Flynn in turn referred the matter to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

On November 27, Mr. Woodrow requested and was granted leave by the Supreme Court to discontinue his lawsuit against government.

Today, a journalist contacted Mr. Beaton Tulk indicating that she had been approached by Mr. Woodrow with various allegations concerning members of his staff. Mr. Tulk brought these matters to my attention. I was then apprised of the statements made by Mr. Woodrow on November 24 and that the matter had been referred to the RCMP.

Mr. Tulk, in order to ensure that there was no question concerning his conduct, asked me today to accept his resignation, pending these matters being thoroughly examined. With reluctance, I accepted his resignation. I have asked the Commissioner for Members Interests, Mr. Bob Jenkins, to look at whether Mr. Tulk or any member of his staff contravened the Conflict of Interest Act.

As well, of course, the matter remains before the RCMP and anyone who has information that might relate to this matter should be in contact with them.

I have every confidence that Mr. Tulk will return to Cabinet when these matters have been examined.

1998 12 02 4:20 p.m.