House of Assembly
June 4, 2007

Speaker Clarifies Matter of Commissioner of Members� Interests

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Harvey Hodder, MHA, advises that he has been informed that Mr. Paul Reynolds, acted on advice from officials in the Department of Justice when he signed an Oath of Office for the Commissioner for Members Interests.  Mr. Reynolds was unaware that it was inappropriate to do so.  The Speaker has advised Mr. Reynolds that this Oath, although given by him in good faith and on legal advice, is ultra vires the current legislative framework.  This has since been communicated verbally and in writing with Mr. Reynolds, who immediately agreed to discontinue acting in the role of Commissioner of Members� Interests.

The Speaker acknowledges that he became aware of this matter during Question Period on today�s date and immediately placed a direct call to Mr. Reynolds and has followed up with written correspondence to the same effect.

�We regret any embarrassment this may have caused Mr. Reynolds who was acting in good faith, based upon advice from officials.  His intent was certainly not to act outside of his legislated authority.�

The Commissioner of Members� Interests is an independent officer of the House of Assembly.  The House of Assembly Act does not provide for an acting commissioner when a vacancy occurs.

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Media contact:
Honourable Harvey Hodder
Speaker of the House of Assembly
709-729-3404

2007 06 04                                                        5:00 p.m.