Independent MHA Eddie Joyce is firing back after a recommendation was made to suspend him from the House of Assembly until he provides the required financial disclosure needed to fulfill his obligation to conflict of interest provisions.

Commissioner for Legislative Standards, Bruce Chaulk called for Joyce’s suspension in his report tabled in the legislature last month. Chaulk accused Joyce of “repeatedly and willfully” refusing to provide the requested information.

Joyce claims he has supplied the requested information and spoke to the matter on a Point of Privilege in the House today. “I have no business,” asserts Joyce, “I have no private interests, and for the Commissioner to infer this is putting my reputation in question.”

He demanded an apology from Chaulk, with whom he has a complicated history. He turned the tables, accusing Chaulk of conflict of interest.

Joyce says Chaulk is the defendant in a civil suit filed by Joyce in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, and that there is a privacy breach investigation ongoing against him.

MHA Paul Lane Expresses Support for Joyce

Independent MHA for Mount Pearl Southlands Paul Lane supported Joyce on the Point of Privilege.

“It seems like the tail is wagging the dog,” Lane told the House, “and when I hear all these inaccuracies that’s being raised by this member on numerous occasions…we just put our hand up in the air and say ‘oh well, that’s it.'”