Poilievre calls for update to conflict-of-interest law in latest swipe at Carney’s Liberal leadership bid

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has put forth a bold proposal to change financial disclosure rules for leadership candidates, even those who do not currently hold public office. This move is seen as a direct attack on Liberal leadership frontrunner Mark Carney. Poilievre announced on Friday his intention to amend the Conflict of Interest Act, which currently applies to ministers, parliamentary secretaries, public office holders, and parliamentarians.

Under the proposed changes, party leadership candidates would be required to disclose their financial holdings to the ethics commissioner within 30 days of officially becoming a candidate. This information would then be made available to the public within 60 days. Poilievre emphasized the need for Canadians to be aware of Carney’s “massive multimillion-dollar foreign holdings” without delay.

In addition to the disclosure requirements for leadership candidates, Poilievre’s proposal includes a mandate for future prime ministers and their cabinet members to divest assets that could potentially create conflicts of interest. This measure aims to prevent politicians from using their positions for personal gain.

The Conflict of Interest Act and the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner were established during former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s tenure. Poilievre has repeatedly referred to his proposal as closing the “Carney loophole” in reference to Mark Carney’s perceived lack of transparency regarding his financial assets.

Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has faced scrutiny for not disclosing his financial holdings, as he is not currently an elected politician and therefore not legally required to do so. However, Carney has pledged to comply with existing laws by either selling his assets in an arm’s-length transaction or placing them in a blind trust.

Despite Carney’s assurances, Poilievre remains steadfast in his criticism, suggesting that Carney could potentially assume office before the 120-day disclosure timeline expires. Carney’s campaign has assured that they are working with the ethics commissioner to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and guidelines.

It is worth noting that Poilievre himself has made financial disclosures as a long-serving Member of Parliament, including owning a rental property in Ottawa. The Liberal leadership convention, where Carney is a candidate, is set to take place in Ottawa on Sunday.

In response to the ongoing criticism from Poilievre, Carney’s campaign has taken a swipe at the Conservative leader for his refusal to obtain a security clearance to review documents related to foreign interference. The campaign emphasized Carney’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity if elected prime minister.

Overall, Poilievre’s proposed changes to financial disclosure rules for leadership candidates have stirred controversy and added fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding transparency and accountability in Canadian politics.