Liberal Cabinet Ministers and PC MHA Fail to File Public Disclosures, Says Commissioner
The Commissioner for Legislative Standards in Newfoundland and Labrador, Bruce Chaulk, has revealed that several Liberal Cabinet Ministers and Progressive Conservative Members of the House of Assembly (MHA) have not filed their public disclosures as required by law.
According to Chaulk, the deadline for filing public disclosures was March 31st, 2021. However, as of April 6th, 2021, a total of 11 Cabinet Ministers and 10 MHAs have not submitted their disclosures.
This information was brought to light in a letter sent by Chaulk to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Perry Trimper. In the letter, Chaulk expressed his concern over the failure of these elected officials to comply with the requirements set out in the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act.
The Act states that all Cabinet Ministers and MHAs are required to file a public disclosure of their assets, liabilities, and outside income by March 31st of each year. This is to ensure transparency and accountability in the government and to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Chaulk also noted that this is not the first time that some Cabinet Ministers and MHAs have failed to meet the deadline for filing their public disclosures. In 2020, a total of 12 Cabinet Ministers and 10 MHAs did not submit their disclosures on time.
The Commissioner has urged the Speaker to take action and remind these elected officials of their responsibilities under the Act. He also emphasized the importance of complying with the law and the consequences of failing to do so.
In response to Chaulk’s letter, Speaker Trimper has stated that he will be following up with the Cabinet Ministers and MHAs who have not filed their disclosures. He also assured that he will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that all elected officials comply with the requirements set out in the Act.
This revelation has raised concerns about the accountability and transparency of the government in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is crucial for elected officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to fulfill their obligations to the public.
As the deadline for filing public disclosures has passed, it is now up to the Speaker and the Commissioner to ensure that all Cabinet Ministers and MHAs comply with the law. The public has the right to know about the assets and outside income of their elected officials, and it is the responsibility of these officials to provide this information in a timely manner.
In the interest of transparency and accountability, it is imperative that all elected officials fulfill their duties and comply with the law. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve nothing less from their government.
