April 28, 1999
(Executive Council)

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

I am pleased to rise today to welcome back to Cabinet, our colleague, the Honourable Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal and Government House Leader.

On December 2, 1998, Minister Tulk resigned his Cabinet post because of allegations of wrongdoing by John Woodrow. On the same day, the RCMP began an investigation, and the Commissioner of Members' Interest also commenced an investigation into this matter.

On March 18, 1999, the RCMP concluded their investigation stating that there was no criminal wrongdoing. Yesterday, Mr. Robert Jenkins, the Commissioner of Members' Interests presented me with his report which also found these allegations to be unsubstantiated.

I have since spoken to Mr. Jenkins directly who has assured me that he is confident there was no wrong doing on the part of Minister Tulk or his staff. The matter is concluded, and I will shortly table the commissioner's report before this honourable house.

I am pleased to have Minister Tulk back in Cabinet. He and his family have been through a difficult time as a result of these investigations. As I have said before, the process of a public investigation, while difficult, is a necessary burden that must be borne by all of us who participate in public life. Minister Tulk has endured this arduous process with grace and has emerged with his integrity intact.

1999 04 27                           2:35 p.m.