The NDP is seeking to extend the cooling-off period required for MHAs who want to take on roles after politics that may raise questions of conflict of interest.
If elected to government, party leader Jim Dinn plans to amend the current legislation, extending the current 12 month cooling off period to two years.
He also plans to extend the cooling off period to an entire election cycle for former premiers who want to move to positions with political interests.
Dinn pointed out several instances of premiers and MHAs transitioning to consulting jobs in the public sector, describing the practice as “backroom politics” and “pay-to-play.”
“It’s a start. It’s at least an attempt on our part to recognize that you don’t get these turnaround appointments within four months or less than a year after you’ve stepped down from this position because you still have strong connections with people in the department,” he told reporters.
