Victoria Gray recommended as conflict of interest commissioner

THE Special Committee to Appoint a Conflict of Interest Commissioner has unanimously recommended that Victoria Gray, QC, be appointed as conflict of interest commissioner.

The committee’s recommendation is included in a report released on Tuesday.

“The committee was impressed by Ms. Gray’s commitment to ethical behaviour, integrity, public service and justice, and her approaches to relationship building and decision-making,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, committee chair. “They also appreciated her understanding of the importance of the position to public confidence in elected officials and our democratic institutions.”

Steve Thomson, deputy chair, said, “Combined with her extensive legal and professional background and experience, and her demonstrated leadership in community service, committee members are confident that she will serve all members, the legislative assembly and the province well.”

The former conflict of interest commissioner, Paul D.K. Fraser, passed away in March. The special committee was appointed in May 2019 to select and unanimously recommend the appointment of an individual as conflict of interest commissioner.

“Mr. Fraser served the legislative assembly and the Province with honour for over 10 years, and his wisdom, guidance and support will be greatly missed,” Leonard said.

The committee also extended its sincere appreciation to Lynn Smith, QC, for her service as acting commissioner over the last several months.

The conflict of interest commissioner is an independent officer of the legislative assembly responsible for ensuring that members of the legislative assembly fulfill their obligations under the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act. The appointment is for a term of five years.

The committee’s report is available at: www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/coi

The members of the committee are:

* Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox (chair)

* Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission (deputy chair)

* Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North

* Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast