New election commissioner stirs MLA debate
‘They’ve chosen a person who has a history here,’ UCP deputy leader says
EDMONTON MLAs on opposite sides of the aisle had a heated debate over the province’s new election commissioner, who was entangled in controversy with the former Progressive Conservative government nearly a decade ago.
“It’s clear that the official Opposition has disagreement with the creation of this position, and they made that clear during the debate on the bill,” government house leader Brian Mason said Tuesday in recorded Hansard. “And it’s clear that they don’t ... want this particular individual in that position.”
On April 5, the legislative offices committee recommended that Lorne Gibson head the new $1-million office as a non-partisan officer of the legislature.
Once appointed, he’ll be tasked with investigating violations of political fundraising and advertising rules.
The job posting touted a salary ranging from $152,818 to $212,801.
The UCP criticized the role and demanded that Gibson’s salary be posted online, bringing forward an amendment Tuesday.
Mason said the Opposition operated out of a “fit of pique at not getting their way” and Gibson’s salary would be disclosed in due course under legislative guidelines.
Gibson was Alberta’s chief electoral officer from 2006 to 2009 until his contract expired under the PC government. His sudden departure followed more than 180 recommendations he made on electoral reform.
He sued the government and the legislative assembly office for $450,000 in lost pay and benefits, alleging he was wrongfully terminated. The 2011 lawsuit was unsuccessful.
NDP MLA David Shepherd, who chaired the search committee, said Gibson was the most qualified candidate on electoral law and financing.
“He brings a wide range of skills to the job,” he told reporters Wednesday, adding past controversy reflected badly on the government of the day as opposed to Gibson. “His dismissal was probably related to the fact the government didn’t like what he had to say.”
The amendment was a delay tactic, he said.
“I certainly get the impression that they ’re choosing to filibuster. They ’re putting up multiple members who keep repeating the same messaging.”
Shepherd said Gibson was being unfairly targeted — a narrative refuted by the UCP.
“They’ve chosen a person who has a history here, who has a history with previous governments. They’re not willing to disclose what he makes and then, on top of that, say that we’re targeting him,” said UCP deputy leader Leela Aheer in the house Tuesday.
Gibson couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.