Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased to provide opening comments on Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act.
On May 11, 2010, the Report of the Independent Commission to Review Members’ Compensation and Benefits was tabled in the House. The report made a wide range of recommendations regarding the allowances and benefits to which Members of the Legislative Assembly are entitled.
This bill enacts many of the recommendations of the independent commission that require legislative change. Other recommendations will be introduced via regulation and Board of Management policies.
The most significant changes recommended by the independent commission relate to the activities of former Members of the Legislative Assembly in the period immediately after they leave office. Currently, former Ministers and Speakers are prohibited for a period of one year after leaving office from accepting contracts with or lobbying departments previously under their authority. The proposed amendments extend this prohibition to all government departments. The amendments also prohibit former Regular Members from lobbying or accepting government contracts for a period equal to one month for every year of service. In addition, the amendments prohibit former Ministers from accepting contracts or appointments with corporations or other entities that the former Minister had significant official dealings with while in office. Current reasonable exceptions to these prohibitions include such a provision that allows the Conflict of Interest Commissioner to set aside the restrictions if in his view the terms of the contract are fair and reasonable and are not contrary to public interest.
The bill also proposes a number of other relatively minor changes to the act. It includes no substantial changes to the compensation currently provided to Members of the Legislative Assembly.
This concludes my opening remarks. I would be pleased to respond to any questions that Members may have.