Alberta NDP slam UCP for nomination of ‘party insider’ as new ethics commissioner

The official opposition is slamming Alberta’s UCP government for recommending a party insider to be the new ethics commissioner.

A legislature committee has nominated Shawn McLeod, who has previously sought nomination with the United Conservatives for an Edmonton constituency.

The NDP say the role should be reserved for someone who is non-partisan and has no previous ties to political parties.

“Mr. McLeod is currently listed as an advisor for special projects to the government of Alberta,” Alberta NDP MLA for Calgary-Bhullar-McCall and committee member Irfan Sabir said. “(He) consistently donates thousands to the UCP and federal conservative party.”

The NDP also says MLA Shane Getson — who replaced MLA Jason Stephan on the committee — was appointed to the search committee after McLeod had been interviewed.

Getson then voted on McLeod’s appointment having not been part of the interview, according to the Opposition.

The government voted late last year to replace commissioner Marguerite Trussler after she ruled the premier interfered in the administration of justice in the case of street preacher Artur Pawloski. Trussler held the position for 10 years.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley addressed the nomination of McLeod in Question Period on Wednesday, saying the appointment erodes public trust in Premier Danielle Smith and the provincial government.

“She has eliminated that principal of impartiality,” said Notley. “How does this premier expect Albertans to trust any of her government’s decisions?”

The premier responded by saying she trusts the committee of members of the legislative assembly did their due diligence.

“The committee included members from both parties,” she says. “They hired an executive search firm to vet candidates.”

Smith says she has no relationship with McLeod, and touted his experience, which she claims makes him the ideal candidate for the role.