The news outraged opposition parties, particularly the Conservatives. Conservative ethics critic Michael Barrett first raised the issue during question period on Wednesday.But Richard’s appointment is also alarming the party currently in a governance deal with the Liberals.WATCH | Poilievre criticizes appointment“When is this Liberal government going to run out of family and friends to appoint as independent officers?” Poilievre asked, citing the recent appointment of David Johnston as the special rapporteur on election interference.It was announced earlier this week that Martine Richard had been appointed to the role for a period of six months after the previous commissioner, Mario Dion, retired last month.The Bloc Québécois also released a statement questioning Richard’s appointment.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre debates House Leader Mark Holland on the government’s choice of a minister’s sister-in-law for interim ethics commissioner.
WATCH | NDP says appointment is ‘not appropriate’Duration 2:43Duration 0:43CBC asked LeBlanc’s office for a statement but instead received a reply from the Privy Council Office saying that Richard has served as a senior legal adviser to the ethics commissioner’s office since 2015.”[Richard] has absolutely made hard decisions on this government … and comported themselves with total professionalism,” he said, while also insisting that Richard’s appointment was subject to an ethical screening.NDP House Leader Peter Julian said Thursday that Richard’s appointment was “not appropriate.”
NDP MP Peter Julian says the fact that the interim ethics commissioner is Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s sister-in-law should disqualify her from the position.
Source: cbc.caThe appointment of an interim ethics commissioner who is also the sister-in-law of a cabinet minister has opposition parties crying foul.”How can Canadians have confidence in the officers of Parliament if these guys are stacking the deck?” Barrett asked while gesturing at the Liberal bench.The Conservatives have criticized Johnston’s appointment, citing his relationship with the Trudeau family and his role with the Trudeau Foundation.”We believe the ethics commissioner needs to be above any reproach, particularly at a time when we’re seeing more questioning of our fundamental institutions,” he said.”Her appointment will provide the necessary organizational stability while a selection process [for a permanent commissioner] is run,” the statement said.Richard is the sister-in-law of Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who himself has violated ethics rules in the past.
“If there is one function that must be free from any appearance of conflict of interest, it is this one. The Liberals are obviously not respecting these standards with this choice and are themselves casting a shadow on the independence of the post,” the statement said in French.