B.C. conflict commissioner sites his conflict in allegations over Premier Clark

VICTORIA – B.C.’s conflict of interest commissioner Paul Fraser has pulled out of any possible investigation involving Premier Christy Clark because he says there’s a perception of a conflict.

Fraser’s son works in the premier’s office, and in a statement today he said he accepts Independent MLA John van Dongen’s request to remove himself from looking at conflict allegations made against Clark.

Van Dongen said Friday he wanted Fraser to step away from the investigation on the grounds of possible bias because the commissioner’s son, John Paul Fraser, holds a senior position in Clark’s government.

Last week, van Dongen filed an official request with Fraser’s office to conduct an investigation to determine if Clark was in a conflict of interest nine years ago when the Liberal government sold the Crown-owned B.C. Rail.

Fraser’s statement says he reflected on the request over the weekend and decided the perception issue and family connection makes it unfair for him to continue with the investigation request.

Fraser has asked the current conflict of interest commission for the North West Territories, Gerald Gerrand, to take over the investigation.