Ethics watchdog clears but cautions Clement’s appearance in video

OTTAWA – Treasury Board President Tony Clement has been cleared of allegations of unethical conduct in his dealings with two constituents.

But he’s been warned about improperly using his ministerial title to promote local enterprises.

Federal ethics watchdog Mary Dawson says Clement did not give preferential treatment to Lord and Partners when he appeared in a promotional video for the Huntsville, Ont.-based firm.

Indeed, she says Clement checked with her before agreeing to a cameo role in the 2008 video and she gave her stamp of approval.

Still, in her report Dawson issues a “note of caution:” Clement should have identified himself in the video simply as the MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka.

She says he should not have mentioned his ministerial title, which implied use of his cabinet position to derive greater assistance for his constituents than for other Canadians.

Dawson also says she found no evidence Clement was subsequently involved in awarding six different federal defence contracts to Lord and Partners, which supplies environmentally friendly solvents and cleaning products.

Nor did she find evidence that Clement is personal friends with company president Barry Young or with George Young, a Huntsville municipal councillor who produced the video.

Hence, Dawson says Clement did nothing improper when he recommended Young’s appointment to the Canadian Tourism Commission.