Procedure and House Affairs committee  In both Yukon and the NWT, members are allowed to have outside interests but ministers may not—subject, however, to some discretion in NWT and the commissioner to allow certain things. Usually that's done for non-profit things and so on. The previous work might create a need to insulate the member or the minister from certain things that they would otherwise do, because it might create a reasonable apprehension of conflict.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  In both my territories, there is a definition of “family” that is limited to the nuclear family, including adopted children. It is dependent children, so it's a challenge when children become 24, 25 or 30. They're not family, but they might fall into the other broader categories of the code.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No, the guidelines are constantly speaking, but as I mentioned earlier, the code of conduct in NWT has just been changed, or the legislative provisions have just been changed, to make it constantly speaking as well. It had to be renewed by each Parliament before, but that's not so anymore.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Madam Chair, in neither the Yukon legislation nor the NWT legislation is there a specific reference to guidelines, but there's not a specific prohibition, so I'd be in the same situation as Mr. Wake. I would also point out that Ontario, Alberta and B.C. have very extensive guidelines, which I would refer the members to because they're very helpful.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Madam Chair, you have to remember that the population of Yukon is about 30,000 people, the majority of whom live in Whitehorse. If I lived in Whitehorse, my daily life would undoubtedly take me into contact with people who are members of the legislative assembly or who have complaints.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Through you, Madam Chair, I think there actually are three distinct areas. One is the advisory function of the commissioner. I give advice on a quite regular basis to members who are concerned and want to be on the right side of things and who consult me before they do something.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No, I recommend it be strengthened and that there be a prohibition against discussing it in the interim before the commissioner is able to deal with it. Several commissioners across the country have expressed dismay at the complainant going to the press immediately—often before the commissioners themselves have received the complaint.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Yes. Both Yukon and NWT have a dollar limit for acceptable gifts. They must be publicly disclosed. Secondly, neither legislation has a definition of friends. There are difficult issues about improperly forwarding the interests of a private person, but it has to be improper.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  There aren't any legislative interns in either Yukon or the NWT.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Thank you, Madam Chair, for the privilege of participating in this panel. As you've just noted, by separate appointments I am the conflict of interest commissioner in Yukon as well the the integrity commissioner of the Northwest Territories. The two are not connected. I just happen to hold both offices.