PC Leader Ches Crosbie believes that the province’s conflict of interest legislation is in need of an overhaul.

Crosbie grilled the Liberal government on Wednesday after learning that Gordon McIntosh—a consultant based in Scotland—billed Nalcor for airfare for a conference sponsored by his own company—Aberdeen International Associates Limited. He was also given a $3,000 per month housing allowance for his part-time residency in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Opposition Leader states that in existing legislation, there is a “cooling-off” period, that states a Deputy Minister should not be working for outside agencies that have business with government for a year after they leave their job. Crosbie calls that a reasonable provision.

Yet at the same time, he says, government has been waiving the provision, like they did with McIntosh—who was formerly the Deputy Minister in the Department of Natural Resources.

Crosbie says when it comes to the act, it gives no guidance surrounding the circumstances that would support government’s actions—and that’s his problem with the conflict of interest.

As for changes he’d like to see implemented, Crosbie had a simple answer. He says a good start would be the creation of guidelines around where and when government may waive the provision of a one-year cooling off period.