Speaker allowed to weigh in on conflict case

Conservatives remember MLA Bhullar two years after he died helping a motorist

A judge has ruled legislature Speaker Robert Wanner can give his two cents in an ethics case involving United Conservative Party MLA Ric McIver.

Alberta’s ethics commissioner found McIver breached the conflict of interest act last year by asking a question in the Legislative Assembly about energy policies, because his wife owns an electricity retail company. The commissioner recommended McIver apologize, pay a $500 fine and recuse himself from discussions and votes about the power industry.

McIver is challenging the ruling in court. He says the commissioner has no jurisdiction in the legislature and his parliamentary freedom of speech was impinged upon.

The Calgary-Hays MLA argued against Wanner being party to the upcoming judicial review, but the Speaker said he should have the opportunity to comment because he’s guardian of the rights and privileges of the assembly.

The case raises constitutional questions about whether the ethics commissioner encroached on the jurisdiction of the legislature to govern and discipline its members.

Justice J.T. Eamon said Wanner has “a serious and genuine interest in the issue,” because the very rules governing his function are up for discussion. The judicial review is set for Jan. 12.

REMEMBERING BHULLAR

Thursday marked two years since the death of Manmeet Bhullar. The Progressive Conservative MLA for Calgary-Greenway was killed on Highway 2 when he stopped to help a motorist.

UCP house leader Jason Nixon issued a statement Thursday remembering Bhullar’s energy, kind heart, and passion for serving others.

“We miss his infectious laugh, his larger-than-life personality and his fierce devotion to his family, his community and his province,” Nixon said.

“We continue to draw inspiration from how Manmeet lived his life, and the profound impact he had on everyone who had the good fortune to meet him. Our thoughts are with his wife Namrita and the entire Bhullar family on this solemn anniversary.”

We continue to draw inspiration from how Manmeet lived his life.