Candidates seeking election are not required to disclose personal information under The Members’ Conflict of Interest Act (hereafter referred to as The Act). However, upon election to the Legislative Assembly, and being sworn in as a Member, the Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner of Saskatchewan will provide the Member with disclosure forms which must be completed by the Member within 90 days. Once disclosure is completed, a meeting with the Commissioner is required. Thereafter, each calendar year, a Member is required to submit, upon request, a new disclosure statement and attend a meeting with the Conflict of Interest Commissioner.
The Act requires Members to disclose all income, assets, liabilities, and financial interests of the Member, the Member’s spouse or adult interdependent partner and minor children. The Member must also disclose any corporations controlled by the Member or the Member’s spouse or adult interdependent partner as a director, senior officer, or shareholder. Members must also disclose any tax arrears and any arrears of child support and/or spousal support.
Following the review of the disclosure forms, and an in-person meeting with the Commissioner, the Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner of Saskatchewan prepares a list of income, assets, liabilities, and financial interests of the Member, the Member’s spouse or adult interdependent partner and minor children. This information is then placed, without specific dollar amounts into a public disclosure statement which is made available to the public. Public disclosure statements help ensure accountability.
Business interests and operations may be continued by Members unless they are appointed to Executive Council. Candidates may wish to consult with the Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner of Saskatchewan to discuss possible impacts to business operations and other restrictions prior to seeking nomination.
The Act limits the business activities of Executive Council. Members of Executive Council may not engage in employment or in the practice of a profession, carry on a business or hold an office or directorship.
The Act, subject to a few exceptions, prohibits Members from participation in government contracts with the Province of Saskatchewan. The prohibition extends to Provincial Ministries, Provincial Crown Corporations and other entities affiliated with the Province of Saskatchewan. Candidates may wish to consult with the Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner of Saskatchewan to discuss possible impacts of this prohibition.
The Saskatchewan Employment Act provides for a statutory leave of absence for candidates from their employment to seek a nomination and if successful, to be elected as a member. Candidates may wish to consult with their employers to clarify the rights and obligations associated with a statutory leave of absence.
The Act prohibits Members from using their influence or position to further the private interest of themselves, their spouse, minor children, and any corporation controlled by them or any combination of them. There are also restrictions with respect to Members’ acceptance of gifts, sponsored travel, and post-employment restrictions for members of Executive Council.
This bulletin is of a general application and nature and is not intended to be a substitute for official advice from the Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner of Saskatchewan.
Please consult www. https://www.saskcoic.ca or contact the Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner of Saskatchewan at 306-787-0800 or coic@saskcoic.ca to discuss specific questions.