Post Political office

Sections 8 and 34 The Members’ Conflict of Interest Act

Former Members, particularly former members of Cabinet, are subject to a number of restrictions after leaving political office.  The general rule is former Cabinet Members (Ministers) must not accept a contract or benefit from a government decision maker for a period of one year from when the member ceased to be a Minister.  As well, government decision makers are prohibited from awarding a contract or benefit to a former Minister for a period of one year from when the member ceased to be a Minister. 

The one-year period is typically called a cooling off period.

It is important to note that a former Minister may request an exemption from the one year cooling off period from the Commissioner.  The Commissioner must be satisfied that the terms of the contract or benefit are fair and reasonable and that it is not contrary to the public interest to allow the member to participate in the contract or benefit.

Contravention of the provision may result in a fine of not more than $50,000.

Section 9(2) of The Lobbyists Act of this province prohibits a former public office holder who is a former member of the Legislative Assembly from lobbying in Saskatchewan for a period of six months, from when the member ceased to be a member. 

Section 9(1) of the Act prohibits a former public office holder who is also a former minister from lobbying for one year from the date the former member ceased to be a Minister.

A former public office holder may request an exemption from the Registrar of Lobbyists to have this prohibition period waived, provided it would not be contrary to the public interest to do so.

Contravention of this provision may result in administrative penalties or potential prosecution.