By The Canadian Press

Alberta Ethics Commissioner Wants Cap on Gifts MLAs Can Accept

Aug 17, 2016 | 7:17 AM

EDMONTON:   Alberta’s ethics commissioner is urging provincial laws be changed so politicians are banned from accepting any hospitality gifts from lobbyists that exceed $100.

Marguerite Trussler says a $100 cap tied to events or food is easy to understand and to enforce.

Currently, politicians can accept gifts worth up to $200 per item, along with event invitations up to a maximum of $400 per year.

In her written submission to an all-party legislature committee, Trussler said three out of every four calls she gets from MLAs on gifts relate to lobbyists.

She says directly excluding more expensive gifts by lobbyists will help reduce perceptions that members are, or could be, influenced by lobbyists.

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The current gift rules raised questions under the former Progressive Conservative government before Trussler’s tenure government members were allowed to accept company gifts including fishing trips, rounds of golf, helicopter rides and hotel rooms.

The all-party committee will eventually make recommendations to the legislature on ways to improve election and campaign laws.