Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Picco on January 28, 1998, opinion on conflict of interest. As requested by the honourable Member for Iqaluit, I have further information with respect to the appointment of the Minister of Finance and Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development to the Aurora Funds board and whether these appointments represent a conflict of interest.
It is the opinion of the Department of Justice that there is no conflict of interest. Neither Minister is compensated either directly nor indirectly for work or activities associated with the Aurora Funds. Therefore, they are not in a conflict of interest as defined under the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act.
Section 2, subsection C of the ministerial guidelines states:
Ministers shall not, except as may be required as a duty of office, hold an office or directorship in any organization other than a social club, religious organization or political party.
I would like to mention in the course of checking into this matter, it was discovered that through an administrative oversight the appointment of the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development to the board of the Aurora Funds was not formally ratified by Cabinet. This oversight has no bearing on the conflict of interest question, nor on the Minister's activities to date in relation to the board. This appointment has since been formalized by Cabinet, as it is this government's opinion, backed by the legal opinion I have just outlined, that it is good government for the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, along with the Minister of Finance, to serve as members and/or directors of the Aurora Funds boards.
I appreciate the opportunity to provide this information to the House, and trust it addresses any concerns Members have, and draws the issue of a potential conflict of interest to a conclusion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.